Attack on lawyer: Punjab & Haryana High Court to boost security, asks lawyers to cooperate with frisking

In light of the recent attack on former secretary of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association, advocate Gagandeep Jammu, the Punjab and Haryana High Court said on Thursday that it will take steps to augment the security measures in place in the High Court.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry urged the Bar Association to pass a resolution in this regard and assured the lawyers that the Court would take steps to implement their suggestions without any delay.

"Make a resolution in your general body. We will immediately implement it," Chief Justice Nagu said.

The Chief Justice also orally requested lawyers not to resist any frisking on court premises.

"Whenever frisking takes place of a lawyer, you should not resist. That is my request to all of you," Chief Justice Nagu said.

An unidentified assailant had opened fire at Jammu on May 19, sparking concerns regarding the safety of lawyers.

Mohali police subsequently registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25 of the Arms Act on Jammu's complaint.

Soon after the attack on Jammu, the Court had directed Chandigarh Police to enhance the lawyer's security.

On May 20, a number of lawyers had made submissions before the Court highlighting concerns about their security.

The Court had also said then that it was considering issuing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to deal with cases involving attacks on lawyers.

In a representation to Chief Justice, the High Court Bar Association had also urged the Court to direct the concerned authorities to strengthen the overall security mechanism concerning advocates.

The Court today took on record a status report filed regarding the investigation into the attack and said that it would like to monitor the investigation going forward.

"Status report has been filed by State of Punjab. It is taken on record. We would like to watch and monitor the investigation conducted pursuant to the FIR. Let a fresh report be submitted by next posting date that is May 25," the Court said in the order passed today.

During the hearing today, several lawyers raised concerns regarding the security system in place at the High Court. They said that the system was outdated and completely inadequate for the court.

"The security system at the entrance is not even as good as the old system at the Supreme Court. It is so bad and outdated," one counsel said.  

The Court then asked the bar association to pass a resolution for strengthening security measures at the High Court.