'In An Era Of Unaffordable Housing, Accused Can't Be Denied Bail For Lacking Permanent Residence; Even Hermits Have Rights': P&H High Court

In a significant observation, the Punjab and Haryana High Court held that the absence of a permanent residence cannot be a valid ground to deny bail to an accused, especially in an era where skyrocketing property prices and rental challenges make it difficult for many to secure stable housing.The Court granted bail to a man accused in fraud case under Sections 406, 420, 468, 120-B...

Punjab & Haryana High Court Reprimands Lawyers For Using AI, Google On Phone To Answer Queries During Hearing; Seizes Device

In a stern move, the Punjab and Haryana High Court reprimanded lawyers for using artificial intelligence tools and Google on their mobile phones to respond to Court's queries during arguments. Taking serious note of the conduct, the court seized the mobile device of one of the lawyers for a certain time, underscoring that such practices is "unacceptable".Justice Sanjay Vashisth said, "Such...

Punjab Floods | High Court Asks State Govt To Decide On Compensation For Farmers Who Suffered Less Than 25% Crop Loss

In the aftermath of the Punjab floods, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the state government to decide a representation alleging policy gap regarding absence of provision for compensating farmers who have suffered less than 25% crop loss.Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry asked the State Government to decide the representation filed on the issue as expeditiously...

“Best Remarks Given By SP To Cop Who Was Caught Accepting ₹1k Bribe”: P&H High Court Asks DGP To Probe

In a case that has raised questions about internal accountability in the police force, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has pulled up senior official (SP) over a viral video showing a Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) accepting a ₹1,000 bribe. Despite the incident, the constable received "best possible remarks" in his Annual Confidential Report (ACR) and no FIR was lodged.Justice Jagmohan...

Punjab & Haryana High Court Forms Committee Including Sitting Judges, For Holistic Planning Of HC Building Expansion

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has constituted a committee comprising sitting judges to oversee the comprehensive planning and execution of its building expansion project.Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry said, "The Administrative Committee shall comprise of two sitting Judges of this High Court (Senior of whom would preside over the Administrative Committee), with two...

State As Employer Must Lead By Example, Can't Demand Undertakings To Deny Lawful Benefits To Employees Violating Constitution: P&H High Court

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has held that seeking undertakings from employees—wherein they are made to forgo their lawful service benefits, is not only exploitative but also unconstitutional.The plea was filed challenging the order of the State authorities denying service benefits to a municipal worker, on the ground that he signed an undertaking forfeiting any claim to back...

P&H High Court Refuses To Entertain Plea Seeking Action Against News Channels Conducting Allegedly 'Communal' Debates

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today declined to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Central Government and regulatory authorities to take strict action against news channels allegedly airing debates with communal undertones.Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry asked the petitioner, "Why should we entertain this plea when the same issue is...

Drug Overdose Case: Punjab & Haryana High Court Says Risk Higher With Pure Or Unadulterated Drugs, Grants Bail To Accused

The Punjab and Haryana High Court while granting bail to a man booked after alleged drug overdose death of a youth, observed that pure drugs can often be more lethal than adulterated substances.Perusing the pleadings, the Court found that the cause of death was drug overdose and at this stage it could not be ascertained whether the accused-petitioner forcibly administered an overdose of the...

Punjab Police Rules| State Can't Award Punishment Other Than Dismissal Where Police Officer Is Sentenced To Over 1 Month R.I : P&H High Court

In a detailed judgment interpreting the Punjab Police Rules (as applicable in Haryana) (PPR), the Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that the State government cannot impose any punishment other than dismissal from service in cases where a police officer has been sentenced to more than one month of rigorous imprisonment. The Court emphasized that the Rules leave no discretion with...

Ram Rahim Case: High Court To Hear On Whether Haryana Govt Was Complicit In 2017 Panchkula Dera Violence

In a pivotal development stemming from the 2017 Panchkula Dera violence case, the High Court will now hear on question whether the Haryana government was complicit in or failed to prevent—the mass gathering of Dera Sacha Sauda supporters that led to one of the most violent episodes in recent state history.On 25 August 2017, widespread rioting in Haryana's Panchkula broke out after Gurmeet...

BBMB Has No Jurisdiction: Punjab Govt Tells High Court In Plea Challenging Release Of Extra Water To Haryana

The Punjab Government has submitted before the Punjab & Haryana High Court that the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has no authority to release water beyond the share allocated to each state under binding agreements. The submission was made before Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry in a petition filed by the Punjab Government challenging the BBMB's April 23, 2025,...

S.138 NI Act | Court Must Decide Appeal In 90 Days If Convict Can't Get Bail Due To Non-Payment Of Compensation: P&H High Court

In a significant observation, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has held that if an appellate court is convinced that a convict under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, is genuinely unable to deposit the 20% compensation amount under Section 148 and, as a result, cannot secure bail, then the appeal must be decided within a maximum period of 90 days.Section 148 of the NI...