July 7, 2025: The Punjab and Haryana High Court continues to assert its role as a dynamic judicial body, actively engaging in critical public interest issues, criminal investigations, and administrative reforms. Under the leadership of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, the court has issued a series of key directives in the first week of July 2025, ranging from healthcare and prison reform to corruption and infrastructure planning.
Justice Sheel Nagu, who took over as Chief Justice in July 2024, has been at the forefront of transformative steps. The court currently has 51 sitting judges, including senior judges like Lisa Gill and Deepak Sibal. The Supreme Court Collegium recently recommended the elevation of 10 judicial officers to the High Court, expected to join soon, increasing the court’s operational strength.
One of the most pressing issues this week has been the lack of medical staff at PGIMER, Chandigarh. Acting on media reports, the High Court initiated suo motu proceedings on July 4, raising concern over 62% vacant posts in the nursing and attendant categories. The court has directed the PGIMER administration and central government to submit a full recruitment timeline, warning against further delay in patient services.
In a major political and legal development, the High Court has sought a response from Punjab’s Advocate General regarding the arrest and custodial remand of senior Akali leader Bikramjit Singh Majithia. He is facing charges in a ₹540 crore disproportionate assets and money laundering case linked to alleged drug trafficking. The matter will be next heard on July 8.
In a disturbing revelation, the court is now monitoring the investigation into a drug racket operating from Hoshiarpur Jail, allegedly involving jail officials. Justice Naresh Shekhawat is overseeing the SIT probe after reports confirmed the circulation of narcotics and mobile phones inside the prison. The next hearing is scheduled for July 21.
A suo motu PIL concerning the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 has led the court to direct the Punjab government to notify all pending rules within 60 days. The Bench strongly criticized the state’s failure to prioritize mental health services and emphasized the need for rehabilitation over criminalization in drug-related offenses. Compliance is to be reviewed on July 24.
On the infrastructure front, the High Court has ordered Chandigarh UT Administration to construct a verandah outside the Chief Justice’s courtroom within four weeks, especially before the peak monsoon. The court also asked for a comprehensive landscaping plan to enhance the court’s surroundings and public amenities.
Taking strong notice of a TV interview given by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi while in police custody, the court has sought a detailed explanation from Punjab Police. Questions have been raised about security protocol violations and how media access was permitted during custody.
The court has also taken suo motu notice to ensure implementation of community mediation under the Mediation Act 2023. Punjab, Haryana, and UT Chandigarh have been asked to file their responses by August 5, clarifying how they plan to integrate this progressive form of dispute resolution into local governance.
In a family law judgment, the HC ruled that a man must find ways to earn more if unable to pay maintenance to his wife and children. In another case, it held that a woman’s educational qualification doesn’t disqualify her from claiming maintenance if she is not earning.
The court continues to modernize its operations with e-filing and virtual hearing guidelines rolled out across benches. Recruitment for clerks, stenos, and peons is ongoing, aiming to strengthen administrative efficiency. The judicial museum in the court complex remains a top attraction for law students and heritage enthusiasts alike.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is proving to be a proactive institution addressing urgent matters—from public health and women’s rights to prison reform and judicial modernization. With a packed July docket and committed leadership, the court remains at the heart of justice and governance in the region.
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