Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Bar Council (OSBC) today decided to postpone the date of polling for the ensuing election to various affiliated Bar Associations till April 25, 2020. The decision has been taken after different Bar Associations requested the State Bar Council for postponement of the polling date on account of the situation that has arisen due to Covid-19.

Earlier, the council fixed March 28, 2020 for the election to the different bar associations.

The State Bar Council issued an advisory on March 15 requesting the lawyers of the State to avoid congregation and undertake all possible preventive measures for their own health and others.

“In view of the emergent situation that has arisen due to Covid-19, social distancing and avoiding congregation is the need of the hour. In the meanwhile, several district administrations have promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 144 of Cr.P.C to achieve the same objectives,” the State Bar Council said in a statement.

The respective Election Officer of the Bar Association will keep the voter list along with the nomination papers submitted by candidates in a sealed box in the Bar Association Office under the signature of President and Secretary of the Bar.