Adopt Procedure To Identify Imposter Lawyers At Entry Gates 'Without Causing Embarrassment': Punjab & Haryana High Court Directs

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the High Court to adopt appropriate procedure for identification of Lawyers entering the gates of the High Court, after taking the Bar into confidence.

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sudhir Singh noted that there is no verification or identification of Lawyers to distinguish a genuine Lawyer from an imposter in lawyers' uniform.

The bench was hearing the plea filed by Rajesh Garg, who sought directions to the Chandigarh Administration and the High Court to operate the security gates installed at the entrance, only on scanning of authorized passes or identity cards issued to entrants.

Counsel appearing for the Chandigarh Administration submitted that all the turnstile gates and drop box gates are functional and none of the grievances raised in the present petition remains unredressed.

Senior counsel for the High Court pointed out that the grievance regarding non issuance of identity cards or passes for the litigants has also been redressed.

During the hearing the bench noted that there is no such verification done at the entrance gate to distinguish a genuine Lawyer from an imposter in lawyers' uniform.

It directed, "The High Court, after taking the Bar into confidence, is directed to adopt appropriate procedure by placing the matter before the High Court Security Committee for laying down process for proper identification of Lawyers entering the gates of the High Court, after due verification, without causing any undue embarrassment to them," and disposed of the plea.

Mr. Sumit Jain, Addl. Standing Counsel, with Mr. Himanshu Arora, Panel Counsel, for respondent-U.T., Chandigarh.

Mr. Gaurav Chopra, Senior Advocate, With Ms. Gauri C. Kaushal, Advocate, for respondent No.3-High Court.

Title: Rajesh Garg v. Union Territory, Chandigarh Administration and others

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