The Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association has recently addressed a letter to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Chandigarh, highlighting concerns about the treatment of advocates by traffic police. The letter requests that the police officials be directed not to unduly harass advocates practicing in the High Court of Punjab and Haryana for alleged traffic rule violations, particularly during peak hours before and after court sessions.
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The Bar Association’s request specifically pertains to the time slots of 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The aim is to minimize inconvenience to Bar Members during these critical hours when they are either heading to the High Court or returning to their offices. The letter emphasizes that repeated complaints have been received from members of the Bar regarding harassment by traffic police under the guise of checking and enforcing traffic rules.
Highlighting the mental pressure faced by advocates, the Bar Association pointed out,
“Police officials deputed for traffic duty stop the Advocates unnecessarily in the name of traffic rules violations, which causes hindrance and hurdles to reach the High Court in time.”
This practice, according to the Bar Association, not only disrupts the advocates’ schedules but also impedes their ability to provide essential services to society.
Moreover, the Bar Association underscored the importance of the post-court hours for advocates, noting that they need to reach their respective offices after 4:00 PM to prepare for the next day’s cases and responsibilities. This preparation is crucial for the effective functioning of the legal system and the delivery of justice.
In essence, the letter from the Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association to the SSP of Chandigarh is a plea to ensure that advocates can perform their duties without unnecessary interruptions or stress caused by traffic rule enforcement, especially during the critical hours surrounding their court commitments. The request reflects the need for a balanced approach in law enforcement, respecting the unique responsibilities and time sensitivities of legal professionals.
