Bar Council orders probe into ‘bench hunting' by advocates in Punjab and Haryana HC
Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana (BCPH) Chairman Rakesh Gupta stated that concerns were raised by several Bar Council members regarding some advocates allegedly attempting to manipulate bench listings — either to secure favorable outcomes or to avoid appearing before specific judges.
'Such actions strike at the very root of judicial integrity and tarnish the dignity and reputation of the legal profession,' Gupta said in his official communication.
He warned that if the Bar Council fails to intervene, such unethical practices could further 'erode public faith in the judicial system and demoralise the broader legal community'. One such incident reportedly came to light through social media, and was subsequently verified by multiple Bar Council members, prompting urgent action.
In response, the matter has been entrusted to the Privilege Committee of the Bar Council, which has been tasked with conducting a day-to-day inquiry into the allegations.
The committee, headed by Raj Kumar Chauhan, has been empowered to adopt all procedural steps permissible under the Advocates Act — including summoning records, issuing notices, recording statements, and collecting information from relevant sources including the high court registry, press, and other agencies.
Gupta emphasised the responsibility of the Bar Council in preserving the dignity, status, and discipline of the legal fraternity, asserting that proactive steps were essential to safeguard the profession's credibility and constitutional role.
The committee has been directed to begin proceedings immediately and submit its report and recommendations at the earliest, the BCPH chairman said.
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