Top 10 Bail after Charge-sheet in Economic Offences Lawyers in Chandigarh High Court

Securing bail after the prosecution files a charge-sheet in an economic offence represents one of the most formidable challenges in Chandigarh's criminal litigation landscape. The filing of the charge-sheet, or final report under Section 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, signifies a pivotal shift in the case posture from the investigative stage to the judicial phase. For individuals accused of economic crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, or cheating, this moment triggers a stringent reevaluation of bail prospects. Lawyers in Chandigarh High Court navigating this procedural juncture must contend with a hardened judicial attitude, as courts often perceive the charge-sheet as crystallizing prima facie evidence against the accused. The Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh, overseeing a region with significant commercial activity, has developed a nuanced jurisprudence around economic crimes, balancing the severity of allegations with the constitutional right to liberty.

The procedural dynamic in Chandigarh courts alters significantly post-charge-sheet. During investigation, bail arguments may focus on the nature of ongoing probes and cooperation with agencies like the Economic Offences Wing or the Enforcement Directorate. Once the charge-sheet is filed, the debate transitions to the strength of the compiled evidence and its legal sufficiency to sustain a conviction. This requires lawyers in Chandigarh High Court to deploy a profoundly analytical approach, dissecting the charge-sheet's contents to identify procedural flaws, evidentiary gaps, or violations of mandatory legal provisions. The court's scrutiny intensifies, often applying the "triple test" for bail—ensuring the accused's availability for trial, preventing witness tampering, and averting the commission of further offences—with heightened rigor in economic matters where flight risk and evidence tampering are paramount concerns.

Economic offences prosecuted in Chandigarh frequently involve cross-jurisdictional elements, complex financial transactions, and voluminous documentary evidence. The charge-sheet in such cases is typically a dense, multi-volume document. A bail strategy crafted by experienced lawyers in Chandigarh High Court must, therefore, be built on a commanding understanding of both substantive criminal law and ancillary domains like company law, banking regulations, and forensic accounting principles. The advocacy must translate this complexity into clear, persuasive legal arguments that convince the court that continued incarceration is not warranted despite the formal accusation. This demands not just legal acumen but also strategic foresight, anticipating the prosecution's rebuttals and preemptively addressing the bench's likely reservations based on local precedents and judicial temperament.

The Legal Landscape for Bail After Charge-Sheet in Economic Cases

In the context of the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh, the legal framework governing bail after charge-sheet in economic offences is shaped by a combination of statutory rigors and evolving judicial precedents. Statutes like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Companies Act, 2013, and the Indian Penal Code provisions for criminal breach of trust and cheating impose specific restrictive conditions on the grant of bail. For instance, Section 45 of the PMLA creates a dual hurdle: the public prosecutor must be given an opportunity to oppose the bail application, and if opposed, the court must be satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe the accused is not guilty and will not commit any offence while on bail. This provision effectively raises the bar for bail, making the charge-sheet a critical document against which these "reasonable grounds" are assessed.

The charge-sheet is not merely a procedural formality; it is the culmination of the investigation and the foundation of the prosecution's case. For lawyers in Chandigarh High Court, challenging its prima facie validity becomes a central task. This involves meticulously examining whether the investigation agency has complied with procedural mandates, such as those under Section 167 of the CrPC regarding timelines, or whether the evidence collected legally sustains the charges framed. The High Court often examines if the charge-sheet discloses a cognizable offence at all, or if it manifests a non-application of mind by the investigating officer. Arguments may focus on the distinction between civil liability and criminal culpability, a common grey area in economic disputes where commercial transactions are recast as criminal fraud. Successfully arguing that the charge-sheet reveals only a contractual breach, not a criminal offence, can be a powerful basis for bail.

Practical litigation concerns in Chandigarh include the court's calendar management and the procedural interplay between the High Court and the lower trial courts. A bail application after charge-sheet may be filed before the Court of Session first, as per the hierarchical procedure. However, given the complexity and stakes involved in economic offences, lawyers often advise approaching the Chandigarh High Court directly under its inherent constitutional jurisdiction or under Section 439 CrPC, especially if the sessions court has denied bail. The High Court's broader discretion and authority to examine the case's legal foundations make it a critical forum. The drafting of the bail petition itself is a specialized skill; it must succinctly yet comprehensively highlight flaws in the charge-sheet, underscore the accused's roots in the community, and demonstrate no risk of evidence tampering, all while adhering to the specific format and procedural requirements mandated by the High Court's rules.

Judicial trends observed in the Chandigarh High Court indicate a cautious approach. Judges are increasingly conscious of the societal impact of economic crimes and the potential for accused individuals to leverage wealth and influence to obstruct justice. Consequently, mere delay in trial or the absence of direct intimidation of witnesses may not suffice for bail. Lawyers must present compelling counter-narratives—such as demonstrating the accused's consistent cooperation throughout the investigation, highlighting the seizure of passports or other actions that mitigate flight risk, or pointing out the absence of any prior criminal antecedents. The argument often shifts to whether custody is necessary for a fair trial or has devolved into punitive detention. This requires a deep familiarity with the High Court's recent rulings and the specific inclinations of its benches, knowledge that is cultivated through daily practice in its corridors.

Selecting a Lawyer for Bail After Charge-Sheet in Economic Offences

Choosing legal representation for a bail application after charge-sheet in an economic offence requires a focus on specialized, tactical expertise rather than general criminal law practice. The lawyer's experience specifically before the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh in navigating the post-charge-sheet phase is paramount. This phase is distinct from pre-arrest or investigative-stage bail; it demands an advocate capable of forensic deconstruction of the charge-sheet document. Prospective clients should seek lawyers who demonstrate a proven track record of handling bail matters in economic cases after the filing of the final report, as this indicates familiarity with the evidentiary standards and argumentative frameworks that resonate with the High Court benches.

A critical factor is the lawyer's ability to assimilate complex financial evidence. Economic offence charge-sheets are replete with bank statements, audit reports, transaction trails, and forensic opinions. The lawyer must possess or have access to the analytical capability to identify inconsistencies, procedural errors in evidence collection, or expert opinions that can be challenged. This often involves collaborative work with financial consultants, but the lead advocate must be able to translate these technical details into cogent legal arguments. Lawyers in Chandigarh High Court who regularly practice in this niche are typically adept at this synthesis, using it to argue that the charge-sheet, however voluminous, fails to establish a prima facie case warranting denial of bail.

Another practical consideration is the lawyer's strategic approach to forum selection and procedural sequencing. An experienced practitioner will assess whether to file the bail application in the sessions court first to exhaust that remedy, or to proceed directly to the High Court based on the case's nuances. This decision hinges on factors like the sensitivity of the case, the perceived openness of the lower court, and the urgency of securing relief. Furthermore, the lawyer's rapport with the prosecution and understanding of their likely objections can inform the preparation of a more robust counter-argument. In Chandigarh's legal ecosystem, where certain economic offences are prosecuted by dedicated state agencies, knowing the prosecuting agency's patterns and commonly raised objections can provide a strategic edge in bail hearings.

The lawyer's advocacy style during bail hearings is also crucial. Bail arguments in such matters are often lengthy, involving detailed references to case law and evidence. The ability to present complex points clearly and persuasively under time constraints, while effectively responding to pointed queries from the bench, is a skill honed through experience. Clients should look for lawyers who are not only knowledgeable but also articulate and persistent, capable of maintaining a focused narrative that emphasizes the legal weaknesses of the charge-sheet and the personal liberties at stake, without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail. This practical courtroom demeanor, specific to the Chandigarh High Court's environment, can significantly influence the outcome.

Best Lawyers for Bail After Charge-sheet in Economic Offences

The following legal practitioners and firms are recognized for their engagement with bail matters following the filing of charge-sheets in economic offences before the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh. Their practices involve regular appearance in such cases, providing representation that addresses the intricate legal and factual challenges presented at this stage of criminal proceedings.

SimranLaw Chandigarh

★★★★★

SimranLaw Chandigarh operates as a litigation firm with a practice encompassing bail litigation in economic offences at the post-charge-sheet stage. The firm practices in the Punjab and Haryana High Court at Chandigarh and the Supreme Court of India, handling cases where the charge-sheet has been filed by agencies like the Chandigarh Police Economic Offences Wing or central investigating bodies. Their approach involves a detailed review of the charge-sheet to identify jurisdictional errors or insufficient evidence, forming the basis for bail arguments. The firm's familiarity with the procedural timelines and formal requirements of the High Court aids in structuring petitions that address the specific concerns judges in Chandigarh often raise regarding flight risk and evidence integrity in financial crimes.

• Bail petitions under Section 439 CrPC after charge-sheet filing in cases investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Punjab and Haryana.
• Challenging the maintainability of charge-sheets in economic offences on grounds of improper investigation or lack of sanction from competent authorities.
• Arguments focusing on the distinction between civil dispute and criminal offence in post-charge-sheet bail applications for cheating and breach of trust.
• Representation in bail matters where the charge-sheet relies on complex digital or forensic accounting evidence, requiring technical dissection.
• Addressing bail conditions related to asset disclosure and surety amounts often imposed by the Chandigarh High Court in economic cases.
• Filing for bail after charge-sheet in multi-state economic fraud cases where the charge-sheet has been filed in Chandigarh courts.
• Legal strategies to counter prosecution objections based on the gravity of the offence and the alleged amount involved, as cited in the charge-sheet.
• Appeals against sessions court bail denials in economic offences, focusing on erroneous appreciation of the charge-sheet's evidentiary value.

Saxena Law Chambers

★★★★☆

Saxena Law Chambers is involved in criminal defence work before the Chandigarh High Court, including bail applications subsequent to the submission of charge-sheets in economic crimes. The chambers engage with cases where the charge-sheet alleges offences under the Negotiable Instruments Act, PMLA, or related fraud statutes. Their practice involves crafting bail arguments that scrutinize the procedural adherence during the investigation phase, as reflected in the charge-sheet, to establish grounds for liberty. They navigate the court's expectations regarding the accused's background and the potential for trial delay, factors critically assessed after the charge-sheet formalizes the case.

• Bail applications following charge-sheets in bank fraud and loan default cases prosecuted as criminal conspiracies.
• Legal analysis of charge-sheet contents to argue absence of mens rea or dishonest intention, key for bail in cheating offences.
• Representation in bail hearings where the charge-sheet has been filed after a prolonged investigation, arguing against further custodial detention.
• Quashing grounds within bail petitions, contending that even if the charge-sheet allegations are taken as true, no offence is made out.
• Focus on bail in economic offences involving corporate entities, addressing the liability of directors and officers as per the charge-sheet.
• Liaising with investigators to demonstrate cooperation pre-charge-sheet, to bolster bail prospects post-charge-sheet.
• Arguments for bail based on health grounds or exceptional circumstances after charge-sheet, despite stringent economic offence laws.
• Handling bail in cases where the charge-sheet cites violations of special statutes like the Customs Act or GST laws involving evasion.

Advocate Chandrashekhar Varma

★★★★☆

Advocate Chandrashekhar Varma practices in the Chandigarh High Court, with a focus on criminal matters including bail in economic offences after the filing of charge-sheets. His work involves dissecting the factual matrix presented in the charge-sheet to isolate exaggerations or assumptions not borne out by evidence. He frequently addresses cases where the charge-sheet has been filed based on complaints by financial institutions or investors, and his bail arguments often center on the prima facie sustainability of the charges and the proportionality of incarceration.

• Bail representation in cases where the economic offence charge-sheet is based primarily on documentary evidence with disputed interpretation.
• Challenging the delay between investigation closure and charge-sheet filing as a ground for bail in economic cases.
• Advocacy for bail in offences involving alleged misappropriation of funds, focusing on the traceability and recovery of assets as per charge-sheet.
• Engagement in bail matters for professionals like accountants or bankers named in charge-sheets for complicity in economic crimes.
• Arguments emphasizing the accused's deep-rooted connections to Chandigarh or Punjab to negate flight risk allegations post-charge-sheet.
• Bail applications contending that the charge-sheet fails to link the accused directly to the transactional chain of the alleged fraud.
• Representation in cases where charge-sheet has been filed without completing investigation against all co-accused, creating parity grounds for bail.
• Focus on securing bail with minimal onerous conditions after charge-sheet to facilitate the accused's preparation for trial.

Chandra, Bhandari & Co.

★★★★☆

Chandra, Bhandari & Co. is a legal practice that handles a spectrum of litigation, including criminal bail matters in the Chandigarh High Court. In the realm of economic offences post-charge-sheet, the firm assists clients in formulating bail petitions that rigorously test the evidentiary foundation laid out in the final report. Their practice involves cases where the charge-sheet alleges large-scale financial irregularities, and they work to present the accused's case in a manner that aligns with the High Court's precedents on granting bail when trial is likely to be protracted.

• Bail litigation after charge-sheet in cases involving alleged Ponzi schemes or collective investment frauds prosecuted in Chandigarh.
• Analyzing the charge-sheet for violations of procedural laws like Section 154 CrPC (FIR) or Section 157 CrPC (investigation) to support bail pleas.
• Representation for accused in cases where the charge-sheet has been filed by a specialized cell like the Economic Offences Wing of UT Chandigarh.
• Arguments for bail based on the principle of parity when similarly placed co-accused have been granted bail by the High Court.
• Focus on bail in offences under the Companies Act, 2013, where the charge-sheet alleges fraud against shareholders or creditors.
• Challenging the imposition of extreme bail conditions like daily police reporting that hinder the accused's ability to prepare for defence.
• Bail applications highlighting the accused's willingness to abide by any financial conditions or surety bonds imposed by the court.
• Engagement in matters where the charge-sheet is voluminous, requiring focused arguments on key deficiencies rather than a broad overview.

Advocate Sandeep Yadav

★★★★☆

Advocate Sandeep Yadav appears before the Punjab and Haryana High Court in criminal bail matters, including those arising after charge-sheet in economic offences. His practice involves a tactical approach where the charge-sheet is not treated as an insurmountable obstacle but as a document open to judicial scrutiny at the bail stage. He often represents individuals accused in cases of criminal breach of trust, forgery for purpose of cheating, and similar economically motivated crimes, building bail arguments around the specific allegations and evidence referenced in the charge-sheet.

• Bail petitions following charge-sheets in cases where the alleged economic offence intersects with property disputes or family business conflicts.
• Legal arguments contending that the charge-sheet discloses only a financial transaction dispute, not a criminal act warranting custody.
• Representation for non-resident Indians or persons with overseas ties, addressing heightened flight risk concerns post-charge-sheet.
• Focus on securing bail in cases where the charge-sheet has been filed but crucial documentary evidence is yet to be furnished to the accused.
• Arguments for bail based on the timeline suggesting a lengthy trial, emphasizing the right to speedy trial under Article 21.
• Challenging the categorization of the offence as "economic" in the charge-sheet if the monetary value involved is below certain thresholds.
• Bail applications that proactively propose conditions like surrender of passport or regular court attendance to assuage court's concerns.
• Engagement in cases where the charge-sheet relies on statements of accomplices or turned witnesses, challenging their reliability for bail purposes.

Advocate Manoj Krishnan

★★★★☆

Advocate Manoj Krishnan practices criminal law in Chandigarh High Court, with involvement in bail applications at the post-charge-sheet stage for economic crimes. His work entails a methodical examination of the charge-sheet to identify inconsistencies or lack of direct evidence implicating the accused. He frequently deals with cases where the charge-sheet has been filed after a lengthy investigation, and his bail arguments often incorporate factors like the accused's conduct during investigation and the absence of any attempt to influence witnesses.

• Bail representation in economic offence cases where the charge-sheet alleges conspiracy among multiple accused.
• Focus on arguing for bail when the charge-sheet does not adequately demonstrate the accused's personal gain or benefit from the alleged crime.
• Handling bail matters for professionals accused of abetting economic offences, such as lawyers or auditors named in charge-sheets.
• Arguments highlighting the accused's societal standing and lack of prior record as grounds for bail despite a filed charge-sheet.
• Bail applications that question the investigative methodology reflected in the charge-sheet, such as improper seizure of digital evidence.
• Representation in cases where the charge-sheet has been filed but the prosecution seeks further investigation, arguing against indefinite custody.
• Advocacy for bail in offences involving intellectual property violations prosecuted as economic crimes.
• Engagement with bail petitions that cite judicial precedents from the Chandigarh High Court where bail was granted despite a charge-sheet in similar economic offences.

Crown Legal Services

★★★★☆

Crown Legal Services is a legal practice engaged in criminal litigation before the Chandigarh High Court, including bail matters in economic offences after charge-sheet. The firm approaches such cases by evaluating the charge-sheet's legal sustainability and the proportionality of denying bail. They often handle cases where the economic offence is coupled with allegations of corruption, requiring nuanced arguments that separate the bailable aspects from non-bailable ones.

• Bail applications after charge-sheet in cases involving government tenders or public sector frauds prosecuted as economic offences.
• Legal strategies to secure bail when the charge-sheet alleges offences under both general IPC and special economic laws like the PMLA.
• Representation for accused in cases where the charge-sheet has been filed but the main evidence is documentary and already in custody.
• Arguments for bail focusing on the accused's health or family responsibilities, notwithstanding the seriousness of the charge-sheet allegations.
• Challenging the prosecution's request for custodial interrogation post-charge-sheet as a ground to oppose bail.
• Bail petitions that incorporate comparative analysis of sentences prescribed for the charged offences to argue against pre-trial incarceration.
• Focus on cases where the charge-sheet fails to specify the exact role of the accused in a multi-accused economic conspiracy.
• Engagement in bail hearings that require explaining complex financial instruments or transactions alleged in the charge-sheet to the court.

Rajani & Co. Legal Advisors

★★★★☆

Rajani & Co. Legal Advisors provide representation in criminal matters before the Chandigarh High Court, with a practice that includes seeking bail after the filing of charge-sheets in economic crimes. Their approach involves preparing bail petitions that comprehensively address each allegation in the charge-sheet with a counter-narrative or legal objection. They frequently deal with cases from the surrounding regions of Punjab and Haryana where charge-sheets are filed in Chandigarh courts, understanding the local judicial approach to economic offences.

• Bail litigation in cases where the economic offence charge-sheet is based on a private complaint later taken over by the state.
• Arguments for bail contending that the charge-sheet discloses no recoveries or losses attributable to the accused's actions.
• Representation for women or senior citizens accused in economic offences, seeking bail on sympathetic grounds post-charge-sheet.
• Focus on bail in offences involving misrepresentation or false promises in commercial transactions, as detailed in charge-sheets.
• Challenging the geographic jurisdiction of the court as reflected in the charge-sheet, which can impact bail considerations.
• Bail applications that emphasize the accused's willingness to settle civil liabilities parallel to the criminal case.
• Handling cases where the charge-sheet has been filed after the accused was granted anticipatory bail, arguing for continuation of liberty.
• Arguments based on the right to default bail under Section 167(2) CrPC if the charge-sheet was filed beyond the statutory period.

Vedanta Legal Associates

★★★★☆

Vedanta Legal Associates is a Chandigarh-based practice appearing in the High Court for bail matters in economic offences post-charge-sheet. The firm's work involves a detailed case-law-based approach, citing relevant judgments of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court to persuade the bench that bail is justified despite a filed charge-sheet. They often handle cases involving allegations of tax evasion, customs fraud, or securities law violations, where the charge-sheet is technically dense.

• Bail representation after charge-sheet in cases investigated by central agencies like the CBI or SFIO where charge-sheets are comprehensive.
• Legal arguments focusing on the non-violent nature of economic offences and the unlikelihood of the accused committing similar crimes if released.
• Analyzing the charge-sheet for overreach, such as alleging offences more serious than the evidence supports, to argue for bail.
• Representation in bail matters where the charge-sheet has been filed but key witnesses have already been examined and their testimony recorded.
• Arguments for bail based on the principle that charge-sheet filing does not equate to guilt and that presumption of innocence still applies.
• Focus on securing bail in cases where the accused has already been in custody for a significant period since the charge-sheet was filed.
• Bail petitions that challenge the prosecution's estimate of the "proceeds of crime" as stated in the charge-sheet, arguing it is inflated.
• Engagement in matters where the charge-sheet alleges money laundering but the predicate offence itself is under dispute.

Sagarika Legal Consultancy

★★★★☆

Sagarika Legal Consultancy engages in criminal defence work before the Chandigarh High Court, including bail applications following the submission of charge-sheets in economic offence cases. Their practice involves a client-centric strategy that tailors bail arguments to the specific circumstances of the accused and the intricacies of the charge-sheet. They frequently assist in cases where the economic offence allegations stem from business failures or partnership disputes, aiming to decriminalize the conduct at the bail stage.

• Bail applications after charge-sheet in cases involving alleged forgery of financial documents or fraudulent inducement to invest.
• Arguments highlighting the accused's cooperation during investigation and lack of obstruction as grounds for bail post-charge-sheet.
• Representation for first-time offenders in economic crimes, emphasizing rehabilitation and low recidivism risk.
• Focus on bail in offences where the charge-sheet relies heavily on confessional statements made to police, challenging their admissibility.
• Bail petitions that detail the accused's business or employment ties to Chandigarh to establish strong community roots.
• Handling cases where the charge-sheet has been filed but the trial court has not yet taken cognizance, arguing for bail in the interim.
• Arguments for bail based on humanitarian grounds, such as family weddings or medical emergencies, even after charge-sheet filing.
• Engagement in bail matters where the charge-sheet alleges a continuing offence, and bail is sought for the period after the alleged activity ceased.

Practical Steps and Strategic Considerations for Bail After Charge-Sheet

Navigating a bail application after the charge-sheet in an economic offence within the Chandigarh High Court's jurisdiction requires meticulous preparation and strategic timing. The first practical step is an exhaustive review of the charge-sheet and all accompanying documents, such as the list of witnesses, seizure memos, and forensic reports. Lawyers in Chandigarh High Court must identify not just legal flaws but also factual inconsistencies or exaggerations. This review forms the bedrock of the bail petition, which must be drafted to highlight these deficiencies compellingly. The petition should avoid generic arguments and instead target specific weaknesses—for instance, if the charge-sheet alleges embezzlement but fails to show a direct money trail to the accused, this must be frontally addressed. The drafting must also anticipate and negate standard prosecution objections regarding flight risk and witness intimidation, perhaps by preemptively proposing stringent bail conditions.

Documentary evidence supporting the bail application is critical. Beyond the charge-sheet itself, the accused's counsel must gather and annex documents demonstrating deep-rooted connections to Chandigarh or the surrounding region, such as property deeds, family records, or long-term employment proof. Medical certificates for health grounds, if applicable, should be from government hospitals or reputable private institutions to withstand scrutiny. Affidavits from reputable persons vouching for the accused's character can also bolster the application. Furthermore, any evidence showing cooperation with the investigation—like attendance memos or communication with investigating officers—should be highlighted to counter allegations of non-cooperation. These documents must be presented in an organized, easily referable manner, adhering to the High Court's formatting rules for annexures.

Procedural caution is paramount. The bail application must be filed in the correct forum—typically, the Court of Session first, unless there are compelling reasons to approach the High Court directly, such as a denial by the sessions court or exceptional legal questions. However, given the complexity of economic offences, many lawyers in Chandigarh High Court advise concurrent or immediate filing in the High Court to save time, especially if the sessions court is perceived as likely to deny bail. The timing of the application is also strategic; filing soon after the charge-sheet is submitted may catch the prosecution before they have fully marshaled their arguments, but waiting to compile a stronger counter-dossier might be prudent. Understanding the listing patterns and the roster of judges in the Chandigarh High Court can inform this decision, as certain benches may have particular expertise or leanings in economic matters.

Strategic considerations extend to the oral hearing. The advocate must be prepared to concisely summarize the charge-sheet's flaws and the bail merits within limited time, often just a few minutes. This requires prioritizing the strongest points—perhaps a legal bar like double jeopardy, or a glaring absence of evidence on a crucial element. Lawyers should be ready with citations of relevant judgments from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, such as those granting bail in similar PMLA or fraud cases post-charge-sheet. It is also strategic to acknowledge the seriousness of the allegations while persuasively arguing that bail, not jail, is the rule. Proposing concrete, monitorable bail conditions—like weekly reporting, surrender of passport, or providing a substantial surety—can demonstrate responsibility and mitigate the court's concerns. Post-grant, ensuring compliance with conditions is essential to avoid cancellation, which is a separate legal battle. Ultimately, the strategy must be dynamic, adapting to the prosecution's response and the judge's inclinations during the hearing, a skill honed through extensive practice in the Chandigarh High Court.