Punjab & Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu on Friday expressed his reservations regarding the High Court Bar Association's decision to suspend judicial work today in view of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan..The Bar Association last night had decided to observe a "no work day" considering the escalation of the ongoing war-like situation and asked the Court to not pass any adverse orders. Today, the High Court had to adjourn a majority of the cases due to the absence of lawyers. During the hearing of a petition related to the ongoing dispute over water sharing between Punjab and Haryana, Justice Nagu 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.".Justice Nagu made the remark after a counsel appearing for the Punjab government sought adjournment of the case due to absence of a senior counsel appearing in the matter.However, the Court said that institutions have to continue functioning."We also have to work...otherwise the entire system of the country will come to a grinding halt," Justice Nagu said..The counsel responded that the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has also given a call for no work."The sirens went off in Panchkula at around 11 today in morning. The movement is curtailed to some extent," he added.At this, the Court said the lawyers can work from home. "We have the platform. Everybody can sit and home and stay connected," Justice Nagu said..Considering the importance of the water-sharing dispute case, the Court said it would take up the matter at 4 PM. The case is listed before Justice Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel.
Punjab & Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu on Friday expressed his reservations regarding the High Court Bar Association's decision to suspend judicial work today in view of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan..The Bar Association last night had decided to observe a "no work day" considering the escalation of the ongoing war-like situation and asked the Court to not pass any adverse orders. Today, the High Court had to adjourn a majority of the cases due to the absence of lawyers. During the hearing of a petition related to the ongoing dispute over water sharing between Punjab and Haryana, Justice Nagu 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.".Justice Nagu made the remark after a counsel appearing for the Punjab government sought adjournment of the case due to absence of a senior counsel appearing in the matter.However, the Court said that institutions have to continue functioning."We also have to work...otherwise the entire system of the country will come to a grinding halt," Justice Nagu said..The counsel responded that the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has also given a call for no work."The sirens went off in Panchkula at around 11 today in morning. The movement is curtailed to some extent," he added.At this, the Court said the lawyers can work from home. "We have the platform. Everybody can sit and home and stay connected," Justice Nagu said..Considering the importance of the water-sharing dispute case, the Court said it would take up the matter at 4 PM. The case is listed before Justice Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel.
