Punjab & Haryana High Court Rejects 89-Year-Old’s Plea to Transfer Trial, Warns Against Forum Shopping
Court Says Bias Allegations Must Be Real, Not Imaginary
Justice Sumeet Goel Stresses Forum Shopping Threatens Judicial Stability
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: February 05, 2026:
In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed a plea filed by an 89-year-old litigant seeking transfer of his criminal defamation trial from Panchkula to another court. The petitioner claimed bias, ill health, and advanced age as grounds for transfer. However, the Court held that such apprehensions were “imaginary anxieties” and warned that allowing litigants to avoid courts they feel uncomfortable in would lead to anarchy in the adjudicatory process.
Background of the Case
- The case, titled Dinesh Chand Bansal v. State of Haryana and Another, involved a criminal defamation complaint.
- The petitioner alleged that the magistrate was in connivance with the complainant and sought transfer of proceedings.
- He also cited his advanced age (89 years) and health concerns as reasons for shifting the trial.
- The matter was heard by Justice Sumeet Goel of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
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Court’s Observations
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- Justice Goel emphasized that transfer of cases cannot be allowed upon mere asking.
- The Court said that apprehension of bias must be reasonable and not based on conjectures or surmises.
- It noted that vague and unsubstantiated allegations against judicial officers undermine the credibility of the justice system.
- The Court imposed costs for baseless allegations, reinforcing that forum shopping must be discouraged.
Key Takeaways
- Forum shopping curbed: Litigants cannot seek transfer of cases based on personal discomfort or imaginary fears.
- Judicial integrity protected: Baseless allegations against judges will not be tolerated.
- Transfer power limited: Courts will only allow transfer if there is clear, reasonable evidence of bias.
- Costs imposed: The ruling discourages frivolous petitions that waste judicial time.
Why This Matters
- For litigants: The ruling clarifies that age, or vague fears cannot justify transfer of trials.
- For judiciary: It strengthens judicial stability by curbing forum shopping.
- For society: It ensures that justice is not delayed or manipulated through baseless transfer pleas.
Wider Implications
- Emerging trend flagged: The Court noted a growing tendency of litigants to seek transfers by alleging bias, calling it “disconcerting.”
- Judicial discipline: The ruling reinforces that transfer powers must not be misused as tools of intimidation.
- Legal precedent: Future petitions will face stricter scrutiny, ensuring only genuine cases of bias are entertained.
Expert Reactions
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- Legal scholars praised the judgment for protecting judicial independence.
- Senior advocates noted that the ruling will discourage frivolous transfer applications.
- Public opinion supports the Court’s stance, as forum shopping is seen as a tactic to delay justice.
Conclusion
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s refusal to transfer the trial of an 89-year-old litigant underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against forum shopping and baseless allegations of bias. By calling such fears “imaginary anxieties” and imposing costs, the Court has sent a strong message that judicial integrity must be protected. This ruling will serve as a precedent to discourage frivolous transfer petitions and ensure that justice is delivered without manipulation or delay.
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