Punjab Govt To Explore All Legal Options On Issue Of Gram Nyayalayas In State: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Chandigarh, February 11, 2026: Drawing a clear line against the Centre’s push for Gram Nyayalayas, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday signalled that his government is prepared to move decisively on the issue in the state, arguing that it is impractical and contrary to the interests of the legal fraternity. The Chief Minister announced the formation of a committee of legal luminaries to examine the matter in detail and said he would take it up with the Union Government at the appropriate level.

Declaring the issue as one of institutional integrity and public trust, the Punjab CM asserted that the rule of law and ethical standards in the judiciary must remain paramount, while reiterating that his government would leave no stone unturned to protect the interests of lawyers.

Interacting with representatives of 65 bar associations at the Municipal Bhawan, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The entire state has access to courts within a 20-kilometre radius due to which this concept is not practically applicable in Punjab. The lawyers are already up in arms against this move of the Centre as it causes a lot of inconvenience to them. As per the wishes of the legal fraternity, the state government will explore all ways and means to discontinue this concept in Punjab.”

The Chief Minister announced, “The Punjab government will constitute a committee including legal luminaries to explore all the aspects in this regard. I will also raise this issue at the appropriate platforms with the Union Government.” 

Reiterating his commitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The state government is firmly committed to secure the interests of the legal fraternity and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.”

Highlighting the contribution of bar associations, the Chief Minister said, “Bar Associations have always played a pivotal role in contributing effectively to the development of the legal system in the country and have worked for the betterment of society at large. India is a Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic with a parliamentary system of government and it has the honour to be the largest democratic setup in the world. Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are the four features that are being protected for every citizen through our Constitution.”

Emphasising the importance of the legal system, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “The Rule of Law is the foundation on which a modern democratic society is founded. A legal system committed to values, integrity and excellence in judiciary is an extremely important component and ingredient of a vibrant and just society which we seek. Lawyers and jurists are instrumental in ensuring justice and protection of one’s fundamental rights. I understand and respect the hardships lawyers face for succeeding in their careers.”

Drawing a comparison between public life and the legal profession, the Chief Minister said, “Political leaders and lawyers enjoy the same pattern of public trust and both must work to maintain and uphold this trust by every means. Maintaining the trust of the people and rule of law is the utmost responsibility of lawyers for which they must make concerted efforts.” 

He further noted, “Justice is costly these days, just like other things,” and mooted the idea that lawyers should establish NGOs to provide free legal aid to marginalised and deprived sections of society.

Stressing the need for ethics, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged, “Cases may be lost or won, but rule of law should always prevail.” He added, “Every demand of the lawyers, including the Lawyers Protection Act and converting commercial electricity connections of chambers into domestic ones, are genuine and will be thoroughly examined. I myself am an advocate of the people and fully committed to the well-being of every section of society.”

Referring to the venue of the meeting, the Chief Minister said, “This Municipal Bhawan is known as ‘Appointment Bhawan,’ as around 50,000 appointment letters out of a total 63,000 jobs have been handed over from here.” 

He added, “The Punjab government has already taken a number of pro-people and citizen-centric decisions to benefit the common man and many more are in the pipeline. In democracy, people are supreme. Those living in palaces had locked their doors during the heyday of their power, but when people got the chance, they ousted them.”

Earlier, Advocate General Punjab Maninderjit Singh Bedi welcomed the Chief Minister and highlighted the significance of the event.