18/08/2026
PROTEST BY THE BAR ASSOCIATION POONCH IN SUPPORT OF THE HON’BLE ADDITIONAL SESSIONS JUDGE, POONCH
Today the members of the Bar Association Poonch, held a protest in support of the Hon’ble Additional Sessions Judge, Poonch, against the alleged misconduct, high-handed behaviour and failure of the police authorities to provide the required security and protocol to the Hon’ble Judicial Officer.
As per the incident, while the Hon’ble Additional Sessions Judge Poonch was travelling towards Poonch and reached near Kallar, his vehicle was stopped by a PSI. The police officer allegedly removed the key from the vehicle and behaved in an extremely disrespectful and inappropriate manner with the Hon’ble Judge. When the Hon’ble Judge questioned the reason for stopping his vehicle, the officer stated that he had received instructions from higher authorities to stop the vehicle.
Thereafter, the vehicle of the Hon’ble Judge was searched, which was allegedly carried out in a manner that was highly disrespectful and unbecoming of the conduct expected from police personnel towards a Judicial Officer.
It is also a matter of serious concern that the required security and protocol, which are supposed to be provided to the Hon’ble Additional Sessions Judge Poonch, were not provided by the police authorities under the supervision of SSP Poonch. The reasons for such failure are not known and require a proper inquiry, particularly as to whether the lapse was due to administrative negligence, deliberate omission, or any other reason.
The members of the Bar have strongly condemned both the alleged misconduct of the police personnel and the failure to provide the requisite security and protocol to the Hon’ble Judicial Officer.
The lawyers of District Court, Poonch, have demanded immediate suspension and strict departmental action against the SSP Poonch, the concerned SHO, and the PSI involved in the incident, along with a fair, impartial and time-bound inquiry into the entire episode, including the failure to provide the required security and protocol.
Today’s protest by the District Court, Poonch and the Bar Association is a collective expression of solidarity with the Hon’ble Additional Sessions Judge and a strong stand for the dignity, independence and authority of the judiciary.
The members of the Bar have made it clear that the protest shall continue until appropriate, effective and stringent action is taken against all those found responsible for the incident and the security lapse.
The dignity and independence of the judiciary are non-negotiable. Any act of disrespect towards a Judicial Officer, coupled with any failure to provide the requisite security and protocol, must be taken seriously and dealt with firmly in accordance with law.
