Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Flags Attacks, Thefts Targeting Advocates; Seeks CJ's Intervention Over Police 'Inaction'

The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA) has expressed grave concern over a spate of serious criminal incidents involving senior members of the legal fraternity and the alleged lack of effective and timely investigation by police authorities, calling the situation a matter affecting not only individual advocates but the confidence of the Bar and the public in the rule of law.

In a press note issued today by PHHCBA's secretary Gagandeep Jammu, it was stated that in a General House meeting held on January 22, 2026, the Bar Association deliberated upon multiple incidents of crime against advocates and unanimously resolved to seek judicial intervention.

During the meeting, the General House discussed three major cases:

Murder and Robbery Involving Family Of Former Bar Office Bearer

The Bar noted with concern the case involving Sh. Krishan Kumar Goyal, Advocate and Former Honorary Secretary of the Association, where his wife was murdered and a large quantity of gold, silver, and cash was looted. While the accused have been arrested, the Bar observed that a substantial portion of the robbed property remains unrecovered, raising apprehensions about the effectiveness and fairness of the investigation.

Daylight Theft At Residence Of Former Secretary

The Association also took note of a daylight theft at the residence of Sh. Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, Advocate and Former Secretary. Despite registration of an FIR on December 25, 2025, and the accused having been identified with complete details available with the police, no arrest or recovery has been made for nearly a month by the Chandigarh Police.

Theft At Mohali Residence Of Advocate

A third incident pertained to the theft at the residence of Sh. Vishal Handa, Advocate, where despite the lapse of nearly four months and identification of the accused, no arrest or recovery has been effected by the Mohali police.

Representation To Chief Justice

Following detailed deliberations, the General House unanimously resolved to submit a representation to the Chief Justice, seeking, Judicial intervention, Issuance of appropriate directions to the police authorities and calling for status reports from the concerned Senior Superintendents of Police.

The Bar emphasized that the matter goes beyond isolated incidents and directly concerns the safety and security of advocates and the public's faith in law enforcement and the justice delivery system.

According to the press note, the Chief Justice has assured the Bar that the matters will be taken up with immediate effect.

The General House further resolved to reconvene on January 27, to review the developments and to decide on the future course of action depending upon the response and progress in investigations.

"The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association hopes that prompt and effective steps will be taken to ensure fair investigation, recovery of stolen property, and restoration of public confidence in the rule of law. On the representation given by the Bar Association, The Hon'ble Chief Justice has assured to take up the above said matters with immediate effect," stated the note.