Voting Begins for Jharkhand High Court Advocates’ Association Election, 92 Candidates in Fray

Voting for the 2026-2028 election of the Jharkhand High Court Advocates’ Association began on Friday at the High Court premises in Ranchi, with a lively atmosphere among lawyers from the morning. Candidates were also seen meeting voters and seeking their support ahead of the polling.

A total of 92 candidates are contesting for various posts, while 2,889 advocates are eligible to cast their votes. Polling began at 9:30 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m. Voters are being issued ballot papers after producing a valid identity card issued by the High Court Advocates’ Association or the State Bar Council.

Before polling began, the ballot boxes were inspected in the presence of the candidates and then sealed. Separate ballot boxes have been arranged for the election of office-bearers and governing council members. Six desks have been set up in the central lobby for distributing ballot papers, while around 40 tables have been arranged across two polling rooms.

To ensure transparency and maintain close monitoring of the election process, 16 CCTV cameras have been installed in the central lobby and the two polling rooms.

The contest for the president’s post has attracted particular attention, with Ajit Kumar, Mahesh Tiwari, Manoj Tandon, R.S.P. Sinha and Ritu Kumar in the fray. Seven candidates are contesting for the vice-president’s post. Elections are also being held for posts including treasurer, assistant treasurer, secretary (administration) and secretary (library).

The most crowded contest is for the Governing Council, where 51 candidates are competing for seats. With a large number of advocates eligible to vote, the election is expected to be closely watched within the legal fraternity.

The outcome will not only determine the new office-bearers of the association for the 2026-2028 term but is also likely to shape its priorities on professional, administrative and welfare-related issues concerning advocates. The final results will reveal who secures the confidence of the 2,889-member electorate and takes charge of the association for the next two years.