The Punjab and Haryana Bar Council demanded an explanation from the Secretary of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA) for allegedly issuing a letter of appreciation to Chief Justice Sheel Nagu without the prior approval of the Association’s governing body.
The controversy stems from a letter addressed to the Chief Justice following the recent designation of 76 advocates as Senior Advocates by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on October 20, a list that includes five women among the newly designated seniors. The selection had drawn attention across the Bar, with over 200 lawyers having applied for elevation during the 2024 cycle.
According to the Bar Council, the appreciation letter, signed by PHHCBA Secretary Gagandeep Jammu, was issued in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the Association. The Council alleged that no meeting of the Executive Committee was convened before sending the communication, thereby raising questions about its validity as an official representation of the Bar’s collective view.
In the letter dated October 24, Jammu had praised the decision of the Full Court, describing it as “a reflection of the Chief Justice’s genuine commitment to acknowledging merit, talent, and professional excellence within the Bar.”
However, the Bar Council, through its communication dated October 23, had already sought details from the High Court regarding the selection process for Senior Advocates, after receiving multiple complaints alleging favoritism and a lack of transparency in the evaluation procedure. The Council further informed that inputs had been received from as many as 148 Bar Associations across Punjab and Haryana expressing varied opinions on the fairness and consistency of the process.
The Council noted that Jammu’s unilateral letter could “create confusion or misrepresent the collective position of the legal fraternity,” and therefore directed him to furnish a written explanation within seven days, justifying his actions and clarifying whether proper authorisation was obtained prior to issuing the letter.
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