Punjab & Haryana Bar Council Calls For Complaints Against Lawyers Involved In Bench Hunting

The Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana has called for complaints against lawyers or litigants involved in bench hunting or forum shopping.

"The Committee, in pursuit of fairness and accountability, invites any advocate, affected person, or member of the public to provide relevant information, complaints, or material regarding unethical practices in this regard. Such information may be submitted at privilegecommitteebeph@gmail.com or on the official WhatsApp number of the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana: 77400-03408," it added.

The development comes after the State Bar Council had taken cognisance of alleged "bench hunting" tactics employed in the Roop Bansal case. Sixteen advocates were summoned for an inquiry into accusations that they may have been involved in the matter.

However, two Senior Advocates have been given clean chit by the Privilege Committee, stating that they have extended full cooperation and are not required in the enquiry.

In their replies it was submitted that the Roop Bansal case was not filed from their offices and that they had only been engaged in the said petition subsequent to its filing.

The Bar Council Committee noted that several advocates appearing for Roop Bansal were engaged by two lawyers practising in Delhi and appearing in matters concerning Roop Bansal before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Therefore, the Committee issued notices to both of them through the Secretary, Bar Council of Delhi, directing their personal appearance along with a written response on the next date of hearing.