The Privilege Committee of the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana, acting suo motu, has issued notices to 16 advocates including two senior advocates over allegations of “bench hunting” in a matter concerning real estate developer Roop Bansal. The action follows media reports and observations by the Punjab & Haryana High Court suggesting an attempt to manipulate the bench assignment process in (Roop Bansal v. State of Haryana).
The Committee, chaired by Raj Kumar Chauhaan, took cognizance of remarks by the Chief Justice that hinted at deliberate forum shopping to avoid a particular bench. It noted that such practices, if proven, undermine the dignity of the legal profession and the integrity of the judicial process.
Drawing on references from the Mahabharata, Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, and prominent jurists, the order stressed that legal ethics are “sacred” and non-negotiable, and condemned any attempt to subvert the “Temple of Justice” for personal or client gain. The Committee expressed concern that some advocates, possibly for financial benefit, may have engaged in organized efforts to secure a favourable forum.
The notices, issued under Sections 6(c) and 6(d) of the Advocates Act, 1961, call upon the named advocates to appear in person or through counsel on 16 August 2025 to explain their conduct. The Committee has also sought responses from Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Mukul Rohatgi to aid in a comprehensive inquiry. Additionally, the public and members of the Bar have been invited to submit any relevant information or complaints via the Council’s official email or WhatsApp.
The Committee underlined that it will “trace out the rotten apples” to protect the nobility of the profession, warning that silence or inaction in the face of unethical conduct poses a grave threat to justice.
The matter is pending before the Privilege Committee for enquiry against these Advocates
1. Sh. J.K.Singla, Advocate,
2. Sh. Sidharth Bhardwaj, Advocate
3. Sh.Aditya Aggarwal, Advocate
4. Sh.Gagandeep Singh,Advocate
5. Sh. Anmol Chandan, Advocate
6. Sh. Baljeet Beniwal, Advocate
7. Sh. Harsh Sharma, Advocate
8. Sh.Sauhard Singh, Advocate
9. Sh. Rupender Singh, Advocate
10. Sh.Ankit Yadav, Advocate
11. Sh. Ashim Singla, Advocate
12. Sh. Aakash Sharma, Advocate
13. Ms. Bindu, Advocate
14. Sh. APS Shergil, Advocate
15. Sh. Rakesh Nehra, Senior Advocate
16. Sh. Puneet Bali, Senior Advocate