The Punjab and Haryana High Court Chandigarh

The Punjab and Haryana High Court, located in Chandigarh, has presided over several landmark cases that have had a significant impact on legal jurisprudence in the region. Here are some notable landmark cases from the Punjab and Haryana High Court:

1. 1. Rupan Deol Bajaj v. Kanwar Pal Singh Gill (1996):

       

      • • This case involved a high-profile sexual harassment lawsuit filed by Rupan Deol Bajaj, an IAS officer, against Kanwar Pal Singh Gill, a senior police officer.
      • • The court held that sexual harassment at the workplace is a violation of fundamental rights and awarded compensation to the petitioner, setting an important precedent for addressing such issues.

1. 1. CBI v. Jagir Singh (1995):

       

      • • In this case, the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an impartial investigation into alleged human rights violations during the militancy period in Punjab.
      • • The court emphasized the need for accountability and justice, ensuring that those responsible for human rights abuses are held accountable.

1. 1. Bhim Singh v. Union of India (1985):

       

      • • This case dealt with the issue of custodial deaths and the violation of fundamental rights by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
      • • The court ruled that custodial violence and deaths are violations of human rights and emphasized the need for preventive measures and compensation to the victims’ families.

1. 1. State of Punjab v. Gurmit Singh (1996):

       

      • • This landmark judgment addressed the issue of honor killings and brought attention to the practice of killing individuals who married outside their caste or community.
      • • The court held that honor killings are barbaric and against the principles of the Indian Constitution, issuing directives to prevent such heinous acts and provide protection to couples.

1. 1. Kiranjit Ahluwalia v. State of Punjab (1996):

       

      • • This case garnered widespread attention as it involved a woman, Kiranjit Ahluwalia, who had been a victim of domestic violence and subsequently murdered her abusive husband.
      • • The court recognized the concept of “battered woman syndrome” and held that it could be considered a valid defense in cases where women have faced long-term abuse and were compelled to resort to extreme measures for self-defense.

These landmark cases from the Punjab and Haryana High Court highlight its role in addressing crucial legal and societal issues, promoting justice, and advancing human rights in the region. The judgments delivered by the court have set significant precedents and influenced the legal discourse in Punjab, Haryana, and the surrounding areas.