Law and order concerns in Punjab moved beyond political parameters into the judicial realm, drawing sharp observations from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Chief Justice Sheel Nagu strongly criticized a work abstention strike called by the local Bar Association, which was organized in response to a firing incident involving an advocate in Jammu. Highlighting the impact of such strikes on the state’s legal machinery, the Chief Justice directly questioned whether halting court work would deter criminal gangsters from operating. The high court firmly maintained that the judicial system must remain functional to uphold public confidence and ensure that law and order is not compromised by institutional shutdowns.
Simultaneously, the Punjab Police and district administrations have drastically enhanced security protocols to prevent further clashes ahead of the vote-counting process. In crucial districts like Mohali, the administration has set up eight highly secured counting centers. Tight security cordons are being established around these facilities to prevent unauthorized individuals from approaching the premises.
The Deputy Commissioner has issued directives to all political parties and candidates to ensure that their designated counting agents carry valid, government-approved identity cards. The police department has warned that any attempt to disrupt the counting process or celebrate prematurely with large, volatile rallies will be met with strict legal penalties. Special paramilitary units and state police forces are scheduled to remain deployed at sensitive locations until the election results are fully finalized and declared.
