Advocate Vikas Malik, the President of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (HCBA), has temporarily relinquished his position following serious allegations, including physical assault and sexual harassment. The High Court has directed the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana to investigate these claims.
Malik was implicated in a physical altercation with another lawyer, Advocate Ranjeet Singh, within the High Court premises, leading to an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Singh was reportedly attempting to serve Malik a dasti notice regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) accusing him of misappropriating HCBA funds.
In light of these events, HCBA Vice President Jasdev Singh Brar has assumed the role of Acting President. Malik maintains that he has not formally resigned but has only “handed over” his responsibilities temporarily.
“These are total false, baseless allegations in FIR and sexual harassment complaint also. There is no evidence against me… these are politically motivated complaints,” Malik stated, denying all allegations.
During the PIL hearing, the division bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Vikas Bahl, emphasized the need for close supervision by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Chandigarh. The court highlighted that the assault could be seen as interference with justice administration, possibly constituting criminal contempt.
The court also addressed the attempts by Malik and some supporters to initiate a lawyers’ strike, declaring any such action illegal. “The law has been laid down by the Apex Court in this regard that any call for strike by member(s) of the Bar Association as such would be illegal,” the court explained.
Further complicating matters, the High Court took serious note of the sexual harassment allegations against Malik. “Various complaints of sexual harassment of lady Advocates and lady employees of the Bar Association have been received,” the bench noted, directing that these be investigated thoroughly.
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The Court has allowed the Bar Council to issue interim orders to uphold the integrity of the judiciary if Malik fails to cooperate. They also offered Malik the opportunity to apologize and redeem his conduct. The hearing is set to continue on July 15.
Senior Advocate GS Bal, along with Advocates Lovepreet Kaur and Anjali Kukar, represented the petitioners. Advocate Avinit Avasthi represented the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, and Advocate Swaran Singh Tiwana appeared in person.
