Chandigarh: There was a high-alert situation at the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday when there was a threat of a bomb, leading to a quick evacuation of courts and temporary halt to judicial proceedings. There was a wave of panic in the legal and administrative corridors, especially following a similar threat received by the office of the Deputy Commissioner at Ludhiana last month.
The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) promptly put out an official notice to members, appealing to them to be cautious within the court complex. The notice, endorsed by Gagandeep Jammu, Honorary Secretary, HCBA, directed all members to leave the courtrooms forthwith as a precautionary measure. It also suggested that anyone who finds something suspicious or lying unattended should report it at the Bar Association office immediately.
“In consideration of the bomb threat alert, all Hon’ble members are respectfully asked to exercise caution. Court hearings have been put on hold and will resume after lunch at 2:00 PM,” HCBA stated in its official release.
Though the credibility and nature of the threat are not yet fully evaluated, police at the local level and bomb squads have allegedly started a detailed search of the facility. Points of entry were closely watched, and all normal business was suspended as security officials tried to seal off the premises. Authorities are still confirming if any explosive device or suspicious object was detected in the initial sweep.
The alert at the High Court was issued in the wake of a similar bomb threat to be received by the office of the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner previously, which had also resulted in increased security measures and a brief suspension of activities. While the Ludhiana threat did not yield the recovery of any explosive substance, officials are expected not to dismiss the chances of a concerted effort at thwarting public establishments or creating terror.
In the midst of these developments, security checks and evacuation drills were seen in public institutions. Perhaps most notably, Elante Mall in Chandigarh was also evacuated during the day, causing temporary panic among shoppers and employees. The authorities later clarified that the evacuation of the mall was a planned mock drill and had nothing to do with the High Court threat.
Security organizations are currently seeking to track the source of the threat received at the High Court. The investigators will be required to study call records, emails, and any tangible evidence that can help establish the source. The incident has again highlighted the vulnerability of key public institutions and the need for strengthened security measures.
Legal officers, court officials, and litigants were noticed waiting outside the building as checks were going on inside. Lawyers complained about the frequent threats at government departments and stressed the importance of being well-prepared and communicating in such crises.
At present, the High Court situation is still in hand. Officials have assured that all precautionary measures are being implemented and proceedings will be resumed after lunch. Update on the same is to be expected from the police and administrative authorities as investigations are ongoing.