The Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana has issued a formal demand for a minister's removal, setting a strict seven-day deadline for compliance. The petition, filed directly with the state government, represents an extraordinary intervention by the judiciary into executive affairs. Authorities in Chandigarh confirmed receipt of the demand on Tuesday.
Judicial Ultimatum Targets sitting Minister
The Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court filed a formal petition calling for the immediate removal of Law Minister Naresh Shalimar, citing what court documents describe as conduct unbecoming of public office. The demand carries a seven-day compliance window. Court officials confirmed the petition was registered under case number CWP-2847 of 2024.
"The judiciary will not stand idle while such matters remain unaddressed," the Chief Justice stated in remarks delivered during an open court session. Legal observers in Chandigarh say the intervention is unusually direct for a High Court bench.
Political Fallout in Delhi Intensifies
The Bharatiya Janata Party, the ruling formation in Punjab, convened an emergency meeting at its headquarters in Chandigarh within hours of the court's demand becoming public. Party spokesperson Ravinder Kumar told reporters the government was "studying the petition carefully" before making any official response.
Opposition leaders seized on the development. The Aam Aadmi Party issued a statement demanding the minister's immediate resignation, arguing that waiting seven days "insults the dignity of the court and the people of Punjab." Senior AAP leader Bhagwant Mann addressed supporters outside the Punjab Assembly, calling the situation "a constitutional crisis in slow motion."
Minister Denies Allegations, Vows to Fight
Law Minister Naresh Shalimar rejected the court's characterisation of his conduct, insisting he had served the people of Punjab "with integrity and dedication." In a video statement posted to social media, the minister said he would seek legal remedy against "this unprecedented overreach."
Shalimar represents the Dhuri assembly constituency and has held the law portfolio for eighteen months. His legal team confirmed they were preparing a response to be filed before the seven-day deadline expires.
Legal Community Debates Scope of Judicial Powers
Constitutional experts are divided over whether the High Court possesses authority to demand a minister's removal. Former Advocate General HS lidhar told local media the petition raises "profound questions about separation of powers" that could ultimately require resolution by the Supreme Court.
Others argued the judiciary retains inherent power to address conduct that brings the legal system into disrepute. "When a law minister behaves improperly, the court cannot simply look away," said senior advocate Ranjit Singh Malhotra, speaking from his offices in Chandigarh.
What Happens if Deadline Passes
If the state government fails to comply with the seven-day deadline, the Chief Justice indicated the court would consider "further coercive measures." Legal analysts say this could include contempt proceedings against the minister personally or an order instructing the Governor to dismiss the minister under Article 356 provisions.
The Punjab Governor's office issued a brief statement saying officials were "in communication with all relevant parties." No further details were provided. The Governor's residence in Chandigarh has seen increased activity since the petition became public.
Citizens Watch as Deadline Approaches
Residents of Chandigarh and surrounding districts are watching developments closely. Civil society groups organised a peaceful demonstration outside the High Court premises on Wednesday, holding placards supporting judicial accountability. Similar small protests erupted in Ludhiana and Amritsar.
The Chandigarh Consumers Federation warned that political instability could delay pending infrastructure projects. "We need functioning institutions, not constitutional gridlock," federation president Sunita Rani stated. Public attention remains fixed on whether the government will comply, resist, or seek negotiated settlement before the Friday deadline.
Watch This Space
The seven-day window closes at 5 PM on Friday. The Punjab government must either remove the minister, file a formal response explaining non-compliance, or approach the Supreme Court seeking stay of the High Court's directive. Legal watchers expect the BJP-led administration to announce its decision no later than Thursday evening.
See Also
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