'Will Gangsters Stop If You Abstain From Work?' Punjab & Haryana High Court Raps Lawyers

The Punjab & Haryana High Court rapped lawyers for abstaining from work post-lunch today in a bid to express solidarity with former High Court Bar Secretary Gagandeep Jammu, on whom some unidentified assailants opened fire.

The Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and directed the authorities to ensure his protection while also expediting the investigation into the case.

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry said,

“If you abstain from work, the gangsters will stop functioning? We have not yet signed the order. I will not sign the order unless you withdraw the strike. We had taken the case out of turn and passed the order. We did our duty. Are you doing your duty towards your client?.”

The matter was taken up by the Division Bench pursuant to a representation made by the Executive Committee of the Bar Association highlighting the gravity of the incident.

The Court issued directions to safeguard the life and liberty of Jammu. In compliance, a permanent PCR has been stationed outside Jammu's residence to ensure his security.

The Bar Association, in an official communication issued by Secretary Parampreet Singh Bajwa, expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for the swift intervention. It also resolved to closely pursue the matter to ensure that the investigation in FIR lodged under Section 109 (attempt to murder) BNS, Section 25 of the Arms Act on Jammu's complaint is conducted in a fair and time-bound manner, and that the perpetrators are apprehended at the earliest.

Condemning the attack, the Bar reiterated its solidarity with Jammu and underscored its commitment to the safety and dignity of members of the legal fraternity. As a mark of protest against the incident, the Bar members abstained from work during the post-lunch session on the day.