Punjab & Haryana HC Chief Justice Reassigns Case Amid Complaints

Punjab and Haryana High Court

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has withdrawn a case from Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu following the receipt of both oral and written complaints.

The case, involving a plea to quash a corruption-related FIR, had been heard and reserved for judgment by Justice Sindhu on May 2.

The Chief Justice, citing the need to “preserve the dignity and honour of the institution,” reassigned the matter to himself, scheduling a hearing on May 12. This decision was made to “draw curtains to the controversy and save the institution and the concerned judge from any further embarrassment.”

Addressing objections raised by the petitioner’s counsel, the court emphasized that the Chief Justice, as the master of the roster, possesses “wide, pervading and plenary” powers to allocate or withdraw cases, even those already heard and reserved. The court clarified that these powers are exercised to protect the institution’s integrity and maintain public trust in the judiciary.

The case in question, filed by Roop Bansal, seeks to quash an FIR registered on April 17 under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 120-B of the IPC. The reassignment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to transparency and accountability.