The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Sunday convened for proceedings of an unusual kind. Clad mostly in white T-shirts or shirts paired with dark track pants, judges, members of the Bar and court officials stretched in unison on yoga mats spread across the plaza as they gathered to observe the 12th International Day of Yoga.
There were no petitions to be heard and no judgments to be pronounced. Framed by the towering geometric pillars and concrete arches of Chandigarh’s iconic High Court complex, the outstretched arms of those assembled seemed to mirror the symmetry of the landmark structure itself.
Yoga Session Led by Instructors
Bathed in the morning light, participants formed neat rows across the plaza as yoga instructors led them through a series of “asanas”, “pranayama” and meditation exercises. Organised under the aegis of Acting Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, the event was also attended by Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi.
The event focused on this year’s theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, highlighting the importance of yoga in promoting physical vitality, mental well-being and quality of life, particularly among the elderly.
Symbolic Observance
The High Court’s decision to replace its regular cause list with a yoga session underscores the growing recognition of yoga as a tool for stress relief and holistic health. The event, held on a Sunday, allowed maximum participation from the legal fraternity without disrupting court proceedings. According to a court spokesperson, the session was well-received by all attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to engage in collective wellness activities.
This marks the second consecutive year that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has organized such an event, reflecting a broader trend among Indian institutions to embrace yoga as part of their corporate culture. The International Day of Yoga, established by the United Nations in 2014, is celebrated annually on June 21.
