Mysore(TOI): Lawyers, who argue for justice for their clients, are now seeking justice from the authorities following a delay in holding elections to Mysore Bar Association by the present body whose term has ended in last November.

Despite repeated requests by the association members, the office bearers of the association have not initiated steps to hold the elections. Requests to summon a general body meeting to discuss the delay have also gone in vain.

Last month, many members had submitted a letter, asking president C Basavaraju to summon a meeting. But still, there has been no word on that. Lawyers feel that the present office bearers are keen to have their names inscribed on the foundation stone plaque for the proposed Vakilara Bhavan in the new court complex behind Kannegowdana Koppalu.

Former treasurer H Basavaraju said: “As per the new amended bylaw of the association, the elections should have been held in December – that is one month prior to the expiry of its tenure. But the office bearers, who are planning to get a foundation stone laid for the new building by chief minister Siddaramaiah, are stalling the elections. They want their names on the plaque.” Bylaws do not permit the association to stall the elections, he said, adding that they must be held as scheduled (for every two years).

Another member, who did not want to be identified, also suspected the intentions of the office bearers. Claiming that they have influenced co-operative department officials to ensure delay in holding the elections, he asked: “Who will dare to hold the elections when the office bearers drop the name of the chief minister, who is also a member of Mysore Bar?” Lawyers who argue cases for others are at the receiving end with the association refusing to hold elections.

However, association president C Basawarju denied that they are deliberately postponing the elections. “Bylaws were amended, and the association has written to the co-operative department to appoint an election officer to hold the elections. But in the wake of general elections, courts had holidays. Now, everything is over and the department has initiated steps to conduct the elections,” he claimed.

“There is no connection between CM laying the foundation stone for the new building or us getting our names carved on the plaque and the holding of the elections. People come and go, but the association will run…” he added.

Mysore Bar Association, being the biggest in the state, has over 2,800 members.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah was scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the building on June 28. But a source revealed that the function has been postponed as high court officials have a busy schedule on that day. “We are trying to get a new date for the foundation stone-laying ceremony,” senior member C M Jagadish said.