Law Should Be Shield For Weak, Not Weapon For Strong: Punjab & Haryana HC Chief Justice Sheel Nagu

The Chief Justice Of Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Sheel Nagu said that, “Legal literacy is the key that unlocks the doors of justice for all. In a just society, law should be a shield for the weak, not a weapon for the strong.”

The judge was speaking at the conference titled "Authorities for Empowering the Marginalized and a Step Towards Social Justice: Achievements and Roadmap" organised by the State Legal Services Authorities of Punjab, Haryana, and U.T. Chandigarh.

Justice BR Gavai, who was recently appointed as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority, was invited as the chief guest. The event was also attended by Supreme Court judges, including Justices Surya Kant, Rajesh Bindal, and AG Masih.

The Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Justice Tashi Rabstan, and the Acting Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh also addressed the conference. Judges from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, as well as Registrar (Vigilance) Kamaljit Lamba, were also present.

Chief Justice Nagu highlighted the various campaigns aimed at reaching out to the legal aid seekers including SOP to address Strengthening of Legal Aid Delivery Mechanism in Prisons prepared by State Legal Services Authorities.

“The level of awareness created through this initiative is such that I can confidently state that in jails of Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh, no inmate remains unrepresented before the Courts,” added the judge.

Expressing concern over overcrowding of prison, the judge said, "Unfortunately, despite the order of release on bail, due to financial constraint prisoner is incapacitated and is forced to remain incarcerated. Many are unable to furnish the requisite bail bonds, leaving them in a paradox where freedom is within reach yet so far."

"...significant efforts have been made to address and mitigate this issue of jail congestion which is evident from sharp increase in percentage of release of prisoners from 34.26% in 2023 to 63.58% in 2024," added the judge.

In line with technological advancements, the Chief Justice unveiled 'Facility To Deposit Costs Through QR Code' and 'Online Portal For Accounts'.

The judge concluded the speech with the quote of Manusmriti "the essence of justice lies in righteousness and fairness, as shown by those who walk the path of truth."