Chandigarh, September 8 — The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stepped outside its traditional role of adjudication and taken direct part in flood relief efforts across Punjab. In a humanitarian initiative led by the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, a dedicated disaster relief fund has been opened to assist families affected by the recent deluge.
Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Patron-in-Chief of the Authority, issued a call for voluntary contributions from judges, advocates, judicial officers and employees. The effort, court officials said, is designed to extend justice “through compassion in action” and provide tangible support to vulnerable communities struggling in the aftermath of the floods.
The initiative draws strength from the Legal Services Authorities Act, which mandates institutions to safeguard the rights of the marginalized. Justice Surya Kant, Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), has consistently argued that legal aid authorities must go beyond safeguarding rights inside courts and serve as “instruments of relief in the field.” Under his vision, competent authorities have been tasked with reaching families in distress and identifying those most in need.
Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Executive Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority, guided the appeal, which was issued through Member-Secretary Navjot Kaur. The circular, conveyed by the High Court Registrar-General, urged all judges, advocates, court staff and judicial officers in Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh to contribute generously — “financially or in material terms.”
A special account has been opened for contributions at the State Bank of India, Sector 68, SAS Nagar, Mohali (Account Number: 44426937384, IFSC: SBIN0014656). The Registrar-General has also instructed that the appeal be widely circulated to ensure maximum participation from the legal fraternity.
Court officials noted the significance of the step, saying it transforms the judiciary’s institutional authority into a moral call of conscience. The appeal makes clear that every contribution — whether in cash or in kind — can help restore hope and dignity to families devastated by the floods.
