Punjab & Haryana Bar Council Suspends License Of Two Advocates For Assaulting Bar Members, Brandishing Sword In Court Premises

Taking serious note of a violent incident within the High Court premises, the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana (BCPH) has suspended the licenses of two advocates accused of openly assaulting fellow bar members and brandishing a sword.The Special Disciplinary Committee of the BCPH noted that, "it is a case of grave misconduct on the part of the above mentioned two advocates namely Ms. Ravneet Kaur and Mr. Simranjit Singh Blassi and they have openly assaulted the Bar Members as well as the Honorary Secretary. Both of them have targeted the members of the HCBA, as well as the President, Vice President and Secretary of the High Court Bar Association, their such behaviour amounts to disrespecting the entire legal profession as they have violated the ethical standards and professional duties as envisaged under the Advocates Act as well as BCI Rules."It opined that the action as well as many past actions of both the advocates amounts to scandalizing the judicial system as they levelled unfounded allegations against the legal community and have openly abused both, the members of the Bar and the High Court judges, thereby undermining the public confidence in the lawyers community.The Committee has issued notice to both the lawyers for September 19.Last night, an FIR was registered against Kaur and Blassi under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 109(1) (attempt to murder), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intention).In a notice circulated by the Executive Committee of the Bar body on September 17, it was stated that one Advocate Ravneet Kaur made frivolous allegations before the Chief Justice Court, claiming that the present Secretary has confiscated her bag and laptop. She sought fixing of her matter for the next day."Despite the objections of nearly 100 members present in court requesting that no such accommodation be granted, her request was allowed," the notice states. It also claims that upon coming out of court, Advocate Kaur again created a ruckus and, along with Advocate Simranjit Singh Blassi, entered the Executive Office, misbehaved with the Secretary and assaulted members of the Bar. The note highlighted that it is further alarming that Advocate Blassi was seen openly roaming in the Court premises with a sword and claims that he attacked the Secretary and other members of the bar, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.Since the police officials had refused to register FIR, the Bar resolved to go on strike on September 18. The Executive Committee shall convene a meeting today at 11:00 a.m. to decide the further course of action, the High Court Bar Association Secretary Gangandeep Jammu said in a notice.

Punjab & Haryana Bar Council Suspends License Of Two Advocates For Assaulting Bar Members, Brandishing Sword In Court Premises

Aiman J. Chishti

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