Anadi Tewari
The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana in a noteworthy move has stayed the resolution passed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (HCBA), seeking transfer of the Chief Justice Ravi Shankar to some other High Court.
The Council has remarked the resolution of the Bar Association as wholly unjustified and uncalled for.
“These unprecedented and precarious situation has compelled the Bar Council to intervene,” stated Minderjit Yadav, Chairman of the Council.
Remarking that this pandemic situation is the one for everyone to come together and join hands to save the lives of others, the Council in their press note has stated that “the issue of mentioning including any other can wait for 3 weeks and can be raised at the appropriate time. Now it is not the matter of livelihood of Advocates rather it is the safety and health of Advocates. It is the time to save the lives of Advocates and their family members.”
The Bar Council in their press note has acknowledged the unprecedented situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and because of which the work in the Courts have been affected immensely. Being concerned about the whole pandemic situation, the Council confirms that they have requested the Hon’ble Chief Justice to take notice of the prevailing circumstance and ensure the safety of the advocates and judicial officers of the Court.
Background of the situation
On 07th May 2021, the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association had passed a resolution seeking transfer of the Chief Justice and has also mentioned boycotting the Chief Justice’s Court till the transfer is done.
The Association claims that the situation circumscribing the listing of matters in the Punjab and Haryana High Court is problematic since matters of urgent nature especially Habeas Corpus Petitions, Anticipatory Bail, Regular Bails, Suspension of Sentence, Stay Matters and other matters involving a violation of fundamental rights are not listed.
“Despite various requests and offer of viable solutions, the Hon’ble Chief Justice has remained adamant and has not cooperated with the Bar and have done little for the growth of the Institution and has taken least interest into the problems faced in the Legal Fraternity and the general public of both the States and Union Territory of Chandigarh,” the Association has stated in their resolution.