Farmers Protest: Punjab and Haryana HC Bar Association Stages Protest Against Youth’s Death

The Punjab & Haryana High Court Bar Association has decided to refrain from work on Friday to protest the death of 21-year-old farmer, Shubhkaran Singh who reportedly passed away during the farmers’ protest on February 21st, 2024.

In an official statement released yesterday by the Executive Committee of the Association, it was stated that, “Various representations and calls have been received from Members of the Bar, the emergent meeting of the Executive Committee of Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association has been convened today i.e. 22.02.2024 at 1:30PM in the Executive Committee Room, in which the Executive Committee has unanimously decided that the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association has consistently shown support for the farmers’ union.”

“Following the regrettable and condemnable incident yesterday, in which a young farmer tragically lost his life due to police excesses, the Executive Committee has resolved to abstain from work on 23/02/2024,” it added.

However, AG Haryana Baldev Raj Mahajan stated that he “strongly opposed” the move and said that all law officers of Advocate General Haryana are required to appear in court tomorrow as ordered by him.

“Decision of few members of Executive Committee to abstain from court work is strongly opposed. Matter be considered in General house after giving due notice and decision be kept in abeyance till then,” he added.

An application has also been filed in the High Court seeking judicial enquiry into the youth’s death. It is alleged that the incident resulted from violent means resorted to by the Haryana police/paramilitary during the farmers’ protest at Khanauri border.