Bomb hoax halts Punjab and Haryana High Court working

Judicial work at the Punjab and Haryana High Court came to a sudden halt after a bomb threat email forced the evacuation of lawyers and litigants from the courtrooms and suspension of proceedings until post-lunch hours.

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The disruption unfolded on a significant day, with no less than six politically sensitive matters involving key public figures listed before a Bench. Also on the roster was the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) matter, drawing considerable attention.

The morning proceedings were interrupted after lawyers and litigants were asked to vacate the premises, following receipt of the threat email. Bomb disposal squads and personnel from the Chandigarh Police were rushed to the site as sweeping checks commenced across the court complex.

The High Court administration swiftly allowed lawyers to attend proceedings through virtual mode and, in a formal communication, directed that no adverse orders would be passed in case of absence. “As desired by the Chief Justice, in case any lawyer is unable to attend the court physically or virtually, no adverse order may be passed,” stated the communication issued by the Registrar-General.

The decision came after the president of the High Court Bar Association requested permission for lawyers to join cases through the virtual mode. Court functioning was rescheduled to resume at 2 pm.

An advisory from the Bar Association further urged its members to remain alert and immediately report any suspicious or unattended items. The alert was issued by Gagandeep Jammu, honorary secretary of the association. The threat eventually turned out to be a hoax.

Meanwhile, a senior police official said tight security measures were undertaken following an email claiming bomb threat on the High Court premises. As a precaution, an anti-sabotage check was conducted. However, no suspicious items were found and the situation remained under control.