Punjab & Haryana HC Bar Body Writes To Chief Justice Seeking Guidelines On Court Functioning Amid India-Pakistan Tensions

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, the Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association wrote to Chief Justice Sheel Nagu on Saturday (May 10) seeking guidance on "further course of action pertaining to functioning of the Courts" from Monday (May 12). 

The bar body's highlighted that most of the Court rooms are not having an Open Video Conference (VC) system, and joining on VC is only permitted in response to a prior request, and that some Courts have fixed timings for taking up matters through VC hearing at the end of the working day. 

"As the present war situation poses a threat to the safety and security of advocates litigants, court staff and all stakeholders in the justice delivery system, drawing from the advisories issued by the Administration and the Police, with fighter planes zooming over the city all night, and the city being a potential target of apprehended air strikes, even the thousands of cars parked in the High Court being potential arson, Members of the Bar have been expressing their concern for the safety and security of all those who visit the High Court and further suggesting the following modes for your kind consideration," it added.

The letter pointed the bar body's concerns and has mentioned the following suggestions:

1. Restriction on Physical Attendance:

Temporary restriction on the physical attendance of clients and officials, except in cases of absolute necessity, to reduce congestion within court premises

2. Encouragement of Video Conferencing:

All courtrooms are now equipped with video conferencing facilities, we strongly advocate for remote hearings to be the preferred mode. allowing advocates and clients to participate safely. The system should be inclusive and accessible, modelled on the hybrid approach followed by the Supreme Court.

3. Emergency Exit Planning:

Given the unique structure of our High Court, we propose the development and dissemination of clearly marked exit route mans. A simulation video demonstrating evacuation procedures could also be circulated to familiarize all stakeholders win emergency protocols

4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS):

Marked emergency exit points specifically for lawyers

Regular safety training and mock drills for court stat and legal professionals to prepare for evacuation or emergency scenarios and prevent panic or stampedes We remain committed to ensuring the smooth functioning of the Courts and the administration of justice. We also express our unwavering support for our government and salute members of the armed forces, who are working tirelessly to protect the nation during these critical times.

The Secretary of the Bar Association Gagandeep Jammu, also clarified in the letter that the step taken by the Bar Association earlier on 9th May 2025 to abstain from work was adopted as an emergency measure due to the sudden black out till further orders, cut in electricity supply all through the night there being a perceived air strike threat on Chandigarh and surrounding areas announced by the Indian Air Force.

The Deputy Commissioner and the SP Chandigarh issued an advisory to citizens to remain indoors, sirens being sounded in the morning before Court hours directing residents to remain indoors. This coupled with drone attacks in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Jalandha Ferozepur created a panic situation which had to be responded to immediately, it added.

"Not only this as intercity travel had been banned during the intervening night, and many Advocates and their staff travel from outside Chandigarh to reach the High Court, so do a number of Police Officials from Punjab & Hayana to respond to notices issued by the Courts in cases, and also litigants, it was deemed appropriate in the said situation to abstain from work as a lot man of the above are not equipped with VC facility,"it stated further.

Click here to read/download the letter