What is happening surrounding the declaration of results of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) election has crossed the bounds of the election laws and bylaws of this important association of about 8,000 lawyers. The election was held on March 15-16 to fill 14 executive posts, including those of the president and secretary. But to the utter surprise of all, the election results haven't been made public even after over two weeks.

This is not just unprecedented but also quite unfortunate. The impasse apparently began when some Awami League-backed lawyers objected to vote counting on March 17 and allegedly exerted pressure on the election subcommittee head to tender his resignation. There have been allegations of misbehaviour with him by the pro-AL lawyers, who, however, refuted the allegations and instead accused BNP lawyers of the same. The pro-AL lawyers have been demanding fresh counting of votes cast for the post of SCBA secretary over claims of irregularities.

We are quite perturbed by the emerging situation at the SCBA and the unhelpful blame game by the AL and BNP camps of lawyers in a bid to keep their stranglehold on the association. It is, however, good to hear that the incumbent SCBA executive committee has decided to invite all former presidents and secretaries to a meeting to resolve the standoff in the next seven days or so. We believe the idea of consultation with the past presidents and secretaries is a judicious move to reach an amicable settlement. Also, a neutral probe by a competent body can bring out in the open why a senior member of the committee, who has a history of conducting free, fair and peaceful elections for the SCBA, had to resign at such a crucial time.

People in general look up to the law practitioners as embodiments of righteousness, justice and honesty whom they can trust with their legal issues at times of crisis. As such, people generally expect law practitioners to be well-disciplined and show utmost restraint and neutrality when it comes to taking part in an election of their own. What has happened at the SCBA is thus unfortunate and disgraceful, to say the least. We hope the wise heads will help to overcome the hurdle and reinstate the good name of the SCBA.