India-Pakistan conflict: Punjab and Haryana HC Bar writes to Chief Justice seeking virtual hearings

Amid the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (HCBA) today requested the Chief Justice to declare video conferencing (VC) as the preferred mode of hearing cases in order to ensure the safety of public including the lawyers..In a letter to the Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, HCBA Secretary Gagandeep Jammu said that the ongoing war-like situation poses a threat to the safety and security of advocates, litigants, court staff and all stakeholders in the justice delivery system.He added that fighter planes are zooming over Chandigarh city all night, and the city happens to be a potential target of apprehended air strikes."The Bar Association of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, respectfully submits this communication to seek guidance regarding the further course of action pertaining to functioning of the Courts from Monday, the 12th of May 2025, in view of the war situation being faced and the High Court being situated in a potential threat area," the Bar President wrote.The Bar Association has highlighted that most of the benches allow VC hearing only after a prior request and some have fixed time for taking up matters through VC..Punjab and Haryana High Court says lawyers not using VC facility; Bar says keep VC open for all.Considering the situation, the Bar Association has suggested the following measures:1. Restriction on Physical AttendanceTemporary restriction on the physical attendance of clients and officials, except in cases of absolute necessity, to reduce congestion within court premises.2. Encouragement of Video ConferencingAll courtrooms are now equipped with video conferencing facilities. The association has advocated for remote hearings via video conference to be the preferred mode, allowing advocates and clients to participate safely.3. Emergency Exit PlanningGiven the unique structure of our High Court, the association has proposed the development and dissemination of clearly marked exit route maps. A simulation video demonstrating evacuation procedures could also be circulated to familiarize all stakeholders with emergency protocols.4. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Marked emergency exit points specifically for lawyers. Regular safety training and mock drills for court staff and legal professionals to prepare for evacuation or emergency scenarios and prevent panic or stampedes..Pertinently, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu on Friday had expressed his reservations regarding the High Court Bar Association's decision to suspend judicial work on May 9. .During the hearing of a petition related to the ongoing dispute over water sharing between Punjab and Haryana, Justice Nagu had said, "The 'No Work Call' was a little unfortunate. I expressed my concerns to your President [of Bar Association] that when the forces are fighting the battle, you will be sitting at home and resting? That is very unfortunate.".In the letter, the Bar Association has sought to clarify why the decision was taken. It has stated that intercity travel had been banned during the intervening night of Thursday and Friday and many advocates were reaching Chandigarh from different areas of Punjab and Haryana. It further said that decision was an emergency measure due to the sudden blackout orders and Chandigarh Administration's advisory to citizens to remain indoors."This coupled with drone attacks in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ferozepur created a panic situation which had to be responded to immediately," the bar body said in its letter. .Meanwhile, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh issued a series of precautionary directions on Friday to ensure the safety of judicial officers and court staff in border areas.