Punjab & Haryana High Court Seeks Stronger Safeguards After Audacious Attack Shocks Legal Fraternity
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
21, May,2026-Chandigarh, India – In a decisive response to the recent violent attack on Advocate Gagandeep Jammu, former Secretary of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has announced imminent and stringent enhancements to its security protocols.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry addressed the pressing security concerns on Thursday, urging the Bar Association to formally pass a resolution detailing necessary security upgrades.
The Court assured the legal fraternity that their recommendations would be implemented expeditiously.
“Make a resolution in your general body. We will immediately implement it,” stated Chief Justice Nagu during the proceedings.
In a significant directive aimed at fortifying court premises, the Chief Justice orally appealed to all advocates to fully cooperate with security personnel. “Whenever frisking takes place of a lawyer, you should not resist.
That is my request to all of you,” he emphasized, highlighting the necessity of collective compliance to ensure a secure judicial environment.
The urgency of these measures originates from an alarming incident on May 19, when an unidentified assailant opened fire at Advocate Jammu.
This brazen act has ignited profound concerns regarding the safety and security of legal practitioners within and around the court precincts.
Following the attack, the Mohali police registered a First Information Report (FIR) based on Jammu’s complaint. The charges include Section 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25 of the Arms Act.
Promptly reacting to the incident, the High Court directed the Chandigarh Police to significantly bolster the security provided to the targeted advocate.
The legal community has been vocal about its apprehensions. On May 20, numerous lawyers presented submissions before the Court, underscoring the vulnerabilities in their current security framework.
In response, the Court indicated its intention to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) specifically designed to address and mitigate attacks on legal professionals.
Furthermore, the High Court Bar Association submitted a formal representation to the Chief Justice, imploring the Court to direct relevant authorities to comprehensively strengthen the security mechanisms safeguarding advocates.
During Thursday’s hearing, the Court formally acknowledged a status report submitted by the State of Punjab detailing the ongoing investigation into the attack.
Asserting its supervisory role, the Bench declared its intent to closely monitor the investigative process. “Status report has been filed by State of Punjab. It is taken on record. We would like to watch and monitor the investigation conducted pursuant to the FIR.
Let a fresh report be submitted by next posting date that is May 25,” the Court ordered.
The proceedings also saw several counsels voicing their dissatisfaction with the existing security infrastructure at the High Court, describing it as antiquated and grossly inadequate. “The security system at the entrance is not even as good as the old system at the Supreme Court.
It is so bad and outdated,” remarked one counsel, reflecting the widespread sentiment among the Bar.
The Court’s proactive stance and call for a collaborative approach between the Bar and the Bench mark a critical step toward ensuring that the sanctity and safety of the judicial process are unequivocally maintained.
