By RINA,
New Delhi: Muslim attorneys in Delhi are now debating on the strategy to ensure at least two Muslim members’ entry in the Delhi Bar Council. Supreme Court Lawyers’ Discussion Forum (SCLDF) held a meeting in this connection in Ghalib Academy on November 13.
Candidates contesting this term’s election number one hundred and twenty-nine, seven Muslims among them. Rana Parveen Siddiqui who has been elected successively in last two terms is also in the fray. The elections will be held on coming December 1 and 2. Bar Council’s tenure is five years.
There have been demands to increase Muslim representation in Delhi Bar Council as it has been stagnant since last ten years. This was main topic of discussion in SCDLDF meet. They argued that substantial increase in numbers of Muslim lawyers requires increase in their representation. In 42,000-strong constituency, about 16 per cent of voting attorneys are Muslims, so they think that on the strength votes more Muslim candidates can win.
SCDLDF general secretary Athar Alam says, “If all pleaders agree to it, whip may also be issued.” This is likely to be exercised by November 28 or 29. Meanwhile, ways to augment joint efforts are being contemplated. Mr. Athar Alam told that the purpose of increasing Muslim representation is to create an atmosphere of sincerity in utilization of Bar Council funds.