In a move aimed at addressing the growing pendency of bail applications, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has agreed to commence proceedings an hour earlier in response to a request from the High Court Bar Association.

In a letter dated May 14, the High Court Bar Association stated "several requests have been received from members of the Bar requesting early disposal of bail applications listed before the summer vacation."

Hence, it requested that the Judges assigned to the Criminal Roster may kindly consider commencing court proceedings from 9 AM onwards instead of 10 AM, to facilitate the expeditious hearing and disposal of such matters.

In the evening today, Gagandeep Jammu Secretary of the Bar Association informed that, judges have kindly accepted the request to address the backlog of bail applications for those who are in custody.

"To facilitate this, the Court has agreed to open additional slots to hear such matters. This special arrangement will continue until the onset of the summer vacation, beginning June 1, in order to avoid undue delays and long adjournments," he added.