Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana Shil Nagu

Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu said that “Legal literacy is the key that opens the door to justice for all. In a just society, the law should be a shield for the weak, not a weapon for the strong.”

The judge was speaking at a conference titled ‘Empowerment of the Marginalized and a Step towards Social Justice: Achievements and Road Map’ organized by State Legal Services of Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh.

The chief guest was Judge BR Hawai, who was recently appointed as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority. Supreme Court judges including Justices Surya Kant, Rajesh Bindal and AG Masih also participated in the event.

Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Tashi Rabstan and Acting Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh also spoke at the conference. Judges from the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Secretary (Vigilance) Kamaljit Lamba were also present.

Chief Justice Nagu emphasized various campaigns aimed at reaching people seeking legal aid, including SOP on strengthening the mechanism of providing legal aid in places of deprivation of liberty, prepared by the state legal service.

“The level of awareness achieved through this initiative is such that I can confidently say that in the jails of Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh, not a single inmate remains without representation in the courts.” – added the judge.

Expressing concern over prison overcrowding, the judge said: “Unfortunately, despite being released on bail, the prisoner is incapacitated due to financial constraints and is forced to remain in prison. Many are unable to post the required bond, leaving them in the paradoxical position that freedom is still within reach.”

“…significant efforts have been made to address and alleviate this problem of prison overcrowding, as evidenced by the sharp increase in the release rate from 34.26% in 2023 to 63.58% in 2024.” – added the judge.

In line with technological advancement, the Chief Justice has released QR Code Deposit Facility and Online Billing Portal.

The judge concluded his speech with a quote from the Manusmriti: “The essence of justice is righteousness and honesty, as shown by those who walk the path of truth.”