The Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana suspended the licenses of two lawyers following allegations of assault against the Secretary of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA) and other members. The Council described the incident as a case of grave professional misconduct, observing that such conduct undermines the dignity of the legal fraternity.
The controversy unfolded after one of the lawyers was reportedly seen carrying a sword within the court premises, while both allegedly misbehaved with Bar members, including office-bearers of the High Court Bar Association. The PHHCBA later issued a notice narrating that the two advocates entered the Association’s office and assaulted the Secretary along with other members, thereby creating fear and disruption within the Court Complex.
During an emergency meeting convened at night, the disciplinary committee of the Bar Council took cognizance of the incident. The committee noted that the behaviour of the two advocates amounted to serious violation of professional ethics and contravened the Advocates Act as well as the Bar Council of India Rules. It also highlighted that one of the advocates already faced proceedings before the BCI over earlier issues concerning her enrolment.
The Council, while issuing notices to both lawyers, restrained them from appearing before any court or authority in the capacity of an advocate. The order further recorded, “In the meantime, the license of both Advocates stands suspended forthwith and they are prohibited from wearing the lawyer’s dress or representing themselves as members of the Bar.”
The incident had also reached the High Court earlier in the day when one of the advocates alleged that her laptop had been confiscated by the PHHCBA Secretary. However, the Bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu declined to urgently intervene, directing that the matter be listed in the ordinary course, while requesting senior members of the Bar to mediate the issue.
Later in the evening, the PHHCBA resolved to observe a strike to protest what it termed police inaction, pointing to the violent conduct of the two advocates within Court premises. It claimed that despite strong objections from members, one of the advocates pressed for urgent listing of her case, and upon exiting the courtroom, created a further ruckus along with her colleague. The notice alleged that one of them carried a sword and attacked Bar members, after which both were taken away by police.
The Association confirmed that an FIR had been registered against the two lawyers. A meeting of its Executive Committee was scheduled for the morning to decide the next course of action, with members being directed to abstain from court proceedings until further notice.
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