Punjab & Haryana High Court Initiates Suo Motu Case After Lawyer Wields Sword in Court, Assaults Bar Members

The Punjab & Haryana High Court, on its own motion (“suo motu”), has taken up the issue of a disturbing incident in which a lawyer, Simranjit Singh Blassi, allegedly roamed inside the court premises wielding a sword and assaulted Bar Association members on 17 September. The Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana suspended the practice licenses of Blassi and another lawyer, Ravneet Kaur, following complaints by the High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA) that Kaur instigated the assault and posted defamatory content on social media. The HC ordered the Chandigarh police to respond to the representation. In proceedings, the Court also issued directives: no action against unnamed lawyers in a diary entry record (DDR), until investigations conclude; required UT administration and Chandigarh DGP to be parties in the case; and discussed gagging or removal of defamatory social media posts. It reflects concern about maintaining decorum and safety in court premises, and ensuring lawyers adhere to professional conduct.