The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over repeated recusals by judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a case relating to a former judicial officer’s challenge to his dismissal from service, while emphasising that judges must not yield to pressure tactics and should discharge their duties fearlessly.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana was hearing a transfer petition filed by the former judicial officer, who sought transfer of his case after multiple benches of the Punjab and Haryana High Court recused from hearing his plea against the dismissal order.
The petitioner informed the Court on Wednesday that four successive benches had recused from the matter, including Justice Lisa Gill, the then Chief Justice; Justice Sanjiv Berry; Justice Ashwini Kumar Mishra; and Justice Dipak Sibal. He also submitted that his applications seeking release of pensionary benefits and General Provident Fund dues had not been considered.
Taking note of the submissions, the Chief Justice expressed concern over the circumstances leading to the repeated recusals and indicated that the Court would closely examine the issue. The Bench observed that a small group of senior advocates appeared to be creating difficulties in the judicial process and remarked that three or four senior lawyers were allegedly creating havoc. The Court advised the petitioner to argue the matter himself instead of engaging senior counsel.
The Bench stressed that judges were expected to decide cases strictly in accordance with law and judicial conscience and should not permit any external influence or intimidation to affect the discharge of their constitutional functions.
It observed that while the Bar played an indispensable role in the administration of justice, professional disagreements or dissatisfaction with judicial orders could not justify attempts to influence proceedings or compel recusals. The Court reiterated that judicial independence forms part of the basic structure of the Constitution and must be preserved at all times.
Declining the request to transfer the matter to another High Court, the Bench directed that the case continue before the High Court. It requested the Acting Chief Justice to constitute a Division Bench of two judges and specifically advised the nominated judges not to recuse from hearing the matter, irrespective of any situation created by any person.
The Court directed that the matter be heard on a day-to-day basis during the week commencing July 13, 2026. It further ordered that after the hearing concludes and judgment is reserved, the Registrar General of the High Court shall submit a compliance report to the Apex Court.
The Bench made it clear that it would monitor the proceedings to ensure that the matter reached a judicial conclusion without further delay. Expressing confidence in the institutional strength of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Court reiterated that judges must continue to function fearlessly while upholding the rule of law, fairness, transparency and constitutional values.
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