Punjab & Haryana High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Attacks, Thefts Targeting Advocates

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of a spate of attacks and thefts targeting advocates, amid growing concern within the legal fraternity over their safety and the alleged lack of effective police action.

Division bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry sought status report from Chandigarh and Punjab Police authorities.

A letter was written by the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA) secretary Gagandeep Jammu to the Chief Justice, highlighting the multiple incidents of crime against advocates .

Three major cases highlighted by the bar:

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.

A day after writing the latter, the Court has taken cognizance of the matter.