Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Friday expressed strong disapproval of the High Court Bar Association’s call for a “no work day” amid escalating India-Pakistan tensions, questioning the rationale behind halting judicial work during a national security crisis.
The Bar Association had announced late Thursday that judicial work would be suspended on May 9 in view of the “war-like situation” and urged the Court not to pass adverse orders. As a result, proceedings in most cases were adjourned due to the absence of advocates.
During the hearing of a petition concerning the ongoing water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana, a counsel for the Punjab government sought an adjournment citing the absence of a senior advocate.
Reacting to the request, Chief Justice Nagu remarked:
“The ‘No Work Call’ was a little unfortunate. I expressed my concerns to your President [of the Bar Association] that when the forces are fighting the battle, you will be sitting at home and resting? That is very unfortunate.”
He went on to underline the importance of institutional continuity in times of crisis.
“We also have to work… otherwise the entire system of the country will come to a grinding halt,” the Chief Justice observed.
In response, the counsel stated that the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana had also supported the work suspension and added that air raid sirens were heard in Panchkula at around 11 AM, leading to some restrictions on movement.
Justice Nagu responded that the courts are equipped to function remotely:
“We have the platform. Everybody can sit at home and stay connected.”
Emphasising the significance of the water dispute case, the Bench decided to take up the matter again at 4 PM. The case is listed before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel.
