The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has formally initiated a detailed inquiry into allegations that certain advocates appearing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court have been deliberately engaging in the practice of “bench hunting,” seeking to appear before benches perceived as more favorable or avoiding certain judicial benches altogether. This inquiry was prompted following reports—both on social media and from multiple members of the Bar Council itself—highlighting that some lawyers were manipulating bench assignments either to secure favorable judicial rulings or evade particular judges.
The Chairperson of the Council directed that the Privilege Committee, led by member Raj Kumar Chauhan, begin the investigation immediately. The committee is mandated to conduct daily hearings on the issue and is empowered, under the Advocates Act, to take all necessary actions. These include issuing notices to involved lawyers, recording their statements, summoning documents from various sources including the High Court registry or media outlets, and collecting any related materials that evidence the alleged misconduct.
The Council stressed that the legal profession is granted privileges under the Advocates Act which must be exercised in a manner that maintains the dignity, reputation, and integrity of the profession. The deliberate practice of seeking or avoiding specific benches for favorable outcomes undermines public confidence in the judicial process, distorts equal access to justice, and erodes the credibility of both the judiciary and the bar. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Council asserted that failure to act decisively could further damage the perception of the legal community and public trust in the system.
By entrusting the matter to its Privilege Committee, the Council took concrete steps toward safeguarding professional ethics and accountability. The committee has been instructed to commence proceedings without delay and submit its findings and recommendations at the earliest possible time. This formal action reflects the Council’s commitment to upholding standards of fairness and impartiality in courtroom assignments and ensuring that bench allocations remain free from manipulative practices.
The decision to investigate bench hunting allegations reflects a broader concern over procedural integrity and reported manipulation. By treating such behaviour as a serious misuse of advocate privileges, the Bar Council has signaled that professional misconduct will not be tolerated, especially when it compromises equitable access to justice. The inquiry underscores the need for transparency, ethical advocacy, and preservation of public confidence in the judicial system.
In summary, the State Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has taken formal steps to probe credible complaints that certain advocates have abused their procedural liberties by selecting or avoiding specific benches—an act termed “bench hunting.” The Privilege Committee is empowered to investigate daily, summon evidence, record statements, and forward a report with recommendations. The move is designed to uphold the dignity of the profession, deter unethical practices, and maintain the integrity of court proceedings in the High Court region.
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