Amid escalating India-Pakistan conflict, the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has written to Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, requesting that video conferencing (VC) be adopted as the preferred mode for court hearings. The request comes in light of growing security concerns and potential threats to the safety of lawyers, litigants, and court staff in Chandigarh, which is considered a high-risk zone.
In a formal letter, HCBA Secretary Gagandeep Jammu highlighted the ongoing “war-like” situation and the presence of military aircraft over Chandigarh as causes for immediate concern. The Bar Association emphasized the urgent need to shift proceedings online to protect all stakeholders involved in the justice delivery system.
The letter also expressed concerns about the limited access to virtual hearings under current practice, where most benches permit VC hearings only after prior requests, and some courts allocate specific times for them. Given the volatile situation, the Bar Association has proposed several safety measures:
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Temporary restriction on physical attendance of clients and non-essential staff.
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Promotion of virtual hearings as the default mode, utilizing existing VC infrastructure.
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Emergency evacuation plans, including exit maps and a simulation video for awareness.
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Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for lawyers, staff, and court officials, along with regular safety drills.
The Bar Association’s appeal follows its earlier decision to suspend work on May 9—a move criticized by Chief Justice Nagu as “unfortunate,” who questioned the Bar’s absence while “forces are battling on the frontlines.”
Clarifying its stance, the Bar Association stated that the decision was prompted by government advisories, a city-wide blackout, travel restrictions, and widespread panic due to drone attacks in Pathankot, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and other nearby cities.
Meanwhile, the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has issued precautionary guidelines to ensure the safety of court personnel in border districts.
This call for remote hearings underscores the urgent need for adaptable judicial processes in times of national crisis.
