16 Lawyers Face Inquiry Over 'Bench Hunting' in Punjab, Haryana

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-08-11 21:15:49 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-11 23:35:59

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Punjab & Haryana HC bars 16 lawyers over allegations of 'bench hunting' in the court, an unethical practice aimed at preferential treatment. The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has issued notices to 16 lawyers over allegations of "bench hunting", a practice deemed unethical in judicial circles. The move comes after the High Court of Punjab and Haryana issued a directive banning the 16 lawyers from appearing in any matter before it for a period of three months. The ban was imposed after a complaint was filed alleging that the lawyers were engaged in bench hunting.

The practice of bench hunting is when clients or their attorneys seek to have their cases heard by a specific judge or bench that they believe will rule in their favour. Several complaints of this nature have been filed with the Bar Council, alleging that the 16 lawyers in question were actively involved in such behaviour.

The notices issued by the Bar Council request the lawyers to provide their explanations and appearances before the Bar Council within seven days of receiving the notice. The council has maintained that it will conduct an investigation into the matter to uphold ethical practices within the judicial system.

The move has been praised by some as a necessary step towards greater fairness and justice in the judicial system, serving as a warning to lawyers who indulge in such unethical practices that undermine the integrity of the judicial system.

While the 16 lawyers have not been identified, the action taken by the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana sends a clear message about the seriousness with which such behaviours are viewed and reinforces the importance of ethical practices in the legal profession.

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