Punjab & Haryana Bar Council Seeks Explanation From HC Bar Association Secy Over Appreciation Letter To CJ For Designating Seniors

The Punjab and Haryana Bar Council has sought an explanation from the Secretary of the High Court Bar Association for issuing an appreciation letter to the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Sheel Nagu, over the recent designation of senior advocates. 

The Council alleged that the letter was issued in Secretary's personal capacity, without convening meeting of the Executive Committee of the High Court Bar Association.

However, the Bar Council on October 23, had sought details of the procedure from the High Court, adopted in designating Senior Advocates, following complaints alleging nepotism and lack of transparency in the selection process.

The Bar Council has written to Gagandeep Jammu that, in the course of its ongoing deliberations, it has received inputs from 148 Bar Associations across Punjab and Haryana, reflecting a wide spectrum of opinion regarding the fairness, procedure, and transparency in the process of designating Senior advocates, his letter may cause confusion or “misrepresentation of collective stand” of the legal fraternity.

In the light of the above, it has sought justification within 7 days for writing such communication allegedly without approval of the governing bodies of the PHHCBA.