High Court in Punjab and Haryana faces examination over accusations of judge-shopping by the State Bar Council
The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has launched a formal investigation into allegations of bench hunting by advocates practicing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This unethical practice, where lawyers try to have cases assigned to preferred judges, is considered a serious misuse of legal privileges granted under the Advocates Act.
The investigation was prompted by reports of suspicious conduct in a high-profile corruption-related case involving real estate developer Roop Bansal. The Bar Council, led by Chairman Rakesh Gupta, views bench hunting as a grave threat to judicial integrity and the legal profession’s dignity.
As part of the investigation, 16 lawyers, including two senior advocates, have been issued notices to respond to the allegations by August 16, 2025. The Privilege Committee, headed by Raj Kumar Chauhan, is responsible for the inquiry and is empowered to summon records, record statements, and take all procedural steps necessary to investigate thoroughly and submit its recommendations promptly.
The controversy in question has been a subject of concern for some time, with Chief Justice Sheel Nagu de-listing the case from single-judge Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu in May. Since then, a number of judges, including the Chief Justice, have recused from the case due to various reasons. Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi is the latest judge to recuse from hearing the case.
The investigation reflects serious concerns about manipulation within the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s bench allocation process and highlights efforts to preserve fair judicial procedures. The Bar Council, in its statement, emphasized its duty to uphold the profession’s reputation and warned that ignoring bench hunting would harm public faith in the judicial system and demoralize the legal community.
Rakesh Gupta, the Bar Council Chairman, has asked the privilege committee to handle the matter immediately. The committee is authorized to issue notices, record statements, summon records, and collect information from various agencies as necessary. The ongoing investigation is a testament to the Bar Council’s commitment to maintaining the dignity, status, and reputation of the legal profession.
The Bar Council's investigation into bench hunting, a practice deemed a threat to judicial integrity, was instigated by suspicious conduct surrounding real estate developer Roop Bansal's high-profile corruption case. This investigation, performed by the Privilege Committee, also encompasses the domains of general-news and crime-and-justice, as it delves into questionable practices within the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In light of ongoing concerns about possible manipulation in the bench allocation process, the Bar Council underscores its resolve to uphold the legal profession's reputation and maintain the integrity of the judicial system, particularly within the context of politics and justice.
