Security was heightened at the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday after an email bomb threat led to the evacuation of courtrooms and suspension of proceedings. The threat, claiming an explosive device was planted on-site, prompted an immediate response from emergency teams and law enforcement.
The High Court Bar Association quickly circulated a security advisory urging caution. “All Hon’ble members are kindly requested to remain vigilant. If any suspicious or unattended items are found within the premises, please inform the office of the High Court Bar Association, Chandigarh, immediately,” read the statement. Court activities resumed at 2:00 PM after a thorough sweep of the premises.
Speaking on the police response, Chandigarh SDPO (Central) Udaypal Singh stated: “An e-mail was sent to the registrar’s office of the high court, claiming that an IED had been planted in the complex. On being informed, police launched a thorough search.”
Public Entrance Temporarily Stopped
During the operation, public access to the complex was temporarily halted, and all vehicles entering the premises were subject to screening. Bomb squads, fire units, and the rescue team were dispatched as part of the high-alert measures.
Bar Association President Sartej Narula confirmed the incident: “A bomb threat was received via email this morning. The police have been informed about the matter, and the court premises are being closely examined. The scheduled proceedings have been shut and will resume after the investigation is over.”
According to Registrar General Sanjiv Berry, the threat email was received early in the day, leading to a pause in legal hearings from 11:30 AM until 2:00 PM. In total, nine courtrooms, including that of the Chief Justice, were evacuated for safety.
Bomb Threats Jolt Gurugram and Ambala
This threat comes a day after a similar scare at the Gurugram Mini Secretariat, where an email warning also led to temporary evacuations. Authorities later declared it a false alarm. On the same day, Ambala Railway Station was subjected to another email bomb threat, compounding concerns over public safety.
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar commented on Wednesday’s incident, noting, “The bomb scare expressed in the received email has been proven to be false and baseless. It was a rumour, but we do not take any situation lightly.”
As investigations continue, police have not ruled out the possibility of a hoax in Thursday’s case as well. However, they emphasized that all protocols would be followed to ensure the safety of the court and its occupants.
