Ram Mandir Inauguration: Punjab & Haryana HC Bar Association To Suspend Work On Jan 22; Screens To Be Installed In Bar Rooms To Watch Ceremony

The Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association has declared to suspend work on January 22, on account of Ram Mandir Consecration Ceremony in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

The Assosciation stated that the the "executive committee respects the sentiments of the Honble Members of the Bar and does not intend to create any difficulty or confusion for its members." "Further to enable the members to celebrate the festival tomorrow ie Pran Pratishtha Ceremony to be held in Shree Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22.01.2024 it has been decided that work in Punjab and Haryana High Court shall remain suspended for the entire day on 22.01.2024," it said.

Earlier, the Association had declared to suspend work from 11.30 AM to 2.00 PM on January 22, when the ceremonies are to be held at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

"In continuation of earlier message wherein a request has been made to the Acting Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court for not passing any adverse orders on account of non-presence of counsels on the auspicious occasion of Shri Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Ceremony on 22.01.2024, it has been further decided by the Executive Committee that the work in the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court shall remain suspended from 11.30 AM to 2.00 PM on 22.01.2024 when the ceremonies are to be held at Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya," read the official message released by the Association.

Large screens will be displayed in the Bar Rooms to enable the Members of the Bar to view the ceremonies and celebrate the same together, it added.

Several Tribunals across the country, CAT, NCLT, NCDRC and NGT will have a half-day functioning tomorrow on the administrative side.

Last week, Bar Council of Chairman Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra had written to the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud requesting that public holiday be declared for all courts.

The Allahabad High Court Bar Association Prayagraj passed a resolution today deciding to abstain from court appearances tomorrow.

Supreme Court Bar Association President Dr Adish C Agarwala requested the CJI to ensure that no adverse orders will be passed tomorrow in the event of of non-appearance by lawyers.