In a bizarre turn of events, the Punjab and Haryana High Court recently encountered a situation more befitting a ghost story than a courtroom. A lawyer, unnamed in reports, filed a pre-arrest bail petition for a client who, unfortunately, was deceased for a month at the time of filing.
Justice Manjari Nehru Kaul, presiding over the case summoned the lawyer to explain the rather peculiar situation. “Courtroom can be a wild enough place without summoning the spirit from the graveyard,” remarked Justice Kaul, highlighting the unusual nature of the petition.
The crux of the issue stemmed from the lawyer filing a pre-arrest bail plea for a client who had already been granted interim anticipatory bail in a previous hearing. Additionally, the court had directed the client, now deceased, to cooperate with the investigation.
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The lawyer, realising the gravity of the mistake, tendered an apology. They claimed to have been misled by “some person,” though the exact details remain unclear. Considering the lawyer’s apparent inexperience, Justice Kaul accepted the apology.
However, the judge warned the lawyer to practice more caution, emphasising the importance of due diligence. The lighthearted comment about avoiding “ghostly clients” served as a reminder of the seriousness of legal proceedings
While the incident provided some unexpected courtroom entertainment, it underscored the importance of thorough case preparation for lawyers. Following proper procedures and verifying information is crucial to ensure the court’s time is used effectively and to avoid any confusion or delays in legal matters.
