Chandigarh, May 18 — In response to mounting case pendency and a shrinking bench, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered an early start to criminal bail hearings. Starting May 19, all benches hearing bail petitions — except two — will begin proceedings at 9 a.m., an hour earlier than usual. The revised schedule will remain in effect until the court’s summer recess begins on May 29.
The decision, issued by the Chief Justice, is aimed at accelerating the disposal of bail applications, which bear directly on personal liberty.
“The step has been taken in view of the current pendency and is intended to ensure prompt hearing of bail matters,” said an official aware of the directive.
The order comes at a time when the court is reeling under acute judicial shortfall, functioning with just 50 judges — 35 short of the sanctioned strength of 85 — following the retirement of Justice Sureshwar Thakur.
The bench strength is set to decline further, with Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul scheduled to retire later this year, and nine more judges, including the Chief Justice, due to superannuate in 2026.
The High Court’s proactive measure reflects a broader concern over access to justice as delays and personnel shortages continue to challenge the judicial system in the region.
