Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar body seeks CJ’s transfer

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 7

The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association today reiterated its February resolution seeking Chief Justice Ravi Shanker Jha’s transfer after claiming he had done little for the institute’s growth.

The Bar Council, however, stayed the operation of the resolution after terming it as “wholly unjustified and uncalled for”. A press note on behalf of Bar Council chairman Minderjit Yadav added: “It is learnt that more than 170 advocates have died due to Covid-19”.

The resolution passed by the association, meanwhile, stated: “The Chief Justice has not cooperated with the Bar and has also taken least interest in the problems faced by the general public of the states of Punjab, Haryana and Union Territory of Chandigarh. Despite various requests and offers of viable solutions, the Chief Justice has remained adamant and has done little for the growth of the institution, legal fraternity and general public of both states and the UT,” the resolution passed by the association stated.

It added the Bench strength in the Punjab and Haryana High Court was reduced from 46 to 11, implying the court had reduced its working on even virtual mode, resulting in further backlog of cases even though the court already had the second highest pendency throughout the country.

“The HC is the custodian of Constitution and protector of fundamental rights. It cannot shut its doors for justice-seekers,” the association said.

It added the Bar executive committee was extremely concerned about non-listing of matters, especially habeas corpus petitions, anticipatory bails, regular bails, suspension of sentence, stay matters and other matters involving violation of fundamental rights.

“More than 300 written complaints and numerous oral complaints have been received in the office of the executive committee regarding wrongful rejection of mentioning and use of pick and choose policy in allowing limited cases,” the resolution stated.