The Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (PHHCBA) has officially called off its strike, a day after dramatic scenes unfolded inside the high court where a lawyer was caught on video brandishing a sword and allegedly attacking fellow advocates.
Why the Strike Began
The strike was triggered on Wednesday evening after the chief justice allowed a plea filed by lawyer Ravneet Kaur, who had previously been barred by the Bar Association. Lawyers opposed her move to name the Bar president and secretary in her petition, sparking anger among members.
Sword-Wielding Lawyer Arrested
High drama erupted when Simranjit Singh Blassi, a 39-year-old lawyer from Ferozepur, appeared in court to support Kaur. Wearing nihang attire and carrying a sword, he allegedly threatened fellow advocates.
According to witnesses, Blassi shouted, “Today I will kill you all,” before attacking advocate Palak Dev, 35, outside the courtroom.
Fortunately, advocate Sutikshan Sharma intervened and pulled Dev back. Sharma sustained serious injuries to his left arm and right hand while saving his colleague. Dev later said that without Sharma’s intervention, the sword strike could have been fatal.
Police arrested Blassi on Wednesday night, and both Blassi and Kaur were later suspended by the Bar Council.
Police Case Registered
Following complaints from the injured lawyers, police registered a case against Kaur and Blassi under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of criminal intimidation and attempt to murder.
The injured lawyer, Sharma, was immediately sent for medical examination, while additional police forces were deployed at the high court to prevent further escalation.
Lawyers End Strike After Talks
While the strike initially disrupted legal proceedings and caused hardship for litigants from Punjab, Haryana, and Panchkula, the PHHCBA decided to end the strike on Thursday after a meeting with Chief Justice Sheel Nagu.
Bar secretary Gagandeep Jammu confirmed that the strike was withdrawn after the chief justice assured lawyers that the interests of the Bar Association remain his top priority.
