Punjab & Haryana High Court Acts on Lawyer Assault, Urges Lawyers to Resume Work
Court questions delay in FIR against Haryana Police officials
Bench stresses lawyers’ role in justice delivery amid strike
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 17, 2025:
In a significant move, the Punjab and Haryana High Court have taken suo motu cognizance of the alleged assault on advocate Amit by Haryana Police personnel in Nayagaon, Haryana. The incident, which occurred on November 30, 2025, triggered widespread protests among lawyers, leading to an indefinite suspension of judicial work by the High Court Bar Association (HCBA).
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The Court, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, registered a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) and sought explanations from the police authorities for failing to register a First Information Report (FIR) despite a written complaint.
Background of the incident
- Advocate Amit alleged that he was assaulted by 56 officials of the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA), Hisar, who were in plain clothes.
- A written complaint was filed at the Nayagaon police station, but no FIR was registered even after 12 days.
- The HCBA responded by announcing an indefinite strike, halting judicial work from December 15, 2025.
The strike disrupted court proceedings, affecting litigants and delaying justice delivery.
Court’s observations
The High Court made several strong remarks:
- Prima facie cognizable offences: The complaint clearly disclosed cognizable offences, yet no FIR was registered.
- Unjustified delay: The Court questioned why police authorities failed to act promptly despite the seriousness of the allegations.
- Explanation sought: The Court directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to file an affidavit explaining the delay.
- Appeal to lawyers: The Bench urged lawyers to resume work, stressing that their absence hampers justice delivery for ordinary citizens
Legal and social significance
This case highlights several important issues:
- Rule of law: The Court’s intervention reinforces that police cannot ignore complaints of cognizable offences, especially when lawyers are involved.
- Lawyers’ strike: While strikes are a form of protest, they also disrupt justice delivery. The Court’s appeal reflects the balance between protest rights and professional responsibility.
- Judicial activism: By taking suo motu cognizance, the High Court demonstrated its proactive role in safeguarding fundamental rights and ensuring accountability.
Reactions from the legal community
- Lawyers’ stance: The HCBA maintained that the strike was necessary to pressure authorities into registering an FIR.
- Public concern: Litigants expressed frustration over delayed hearings, emphasizing the need for quick resolution.
- Police silence: Authorities have yet to provide a satisfactory explanation for the delay, raising questions about accountability.
Wider implications
The case has broader implications for governance and justice:
- Police accountability: The incident underscores the need for stricter oversight of police conduct.
- Judicial efficiency: Strikes by lawyers highlight systemic tensions but also risk undermining public trust in the judiciary.
- Public interest: The Court’s suo motu action reflects its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring fair treatment for all, including members of the legal fraternity.
Conclusion
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s suo motu action in the lawyer assault case is a reminder that justice cannot be delayed or denied due to administrative lapses. By questioning the police and urging lawyers to resume work, the Court has sought to restore balance between accountability and justice delivery.
The case now awaits further hearings, with the Court expected to scrutinize police responses and ensure that due process is followed.
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