Poonch House brings Bhagat Singh’s trial back to life after 95 years

LAHORE: The historic courtroom at Poonch House — the very site where legendary freedom fighter Shaheed Bhagat Singh was tried in 1931 — has been meticulously restored and opened to the public, offering visitors a rare chance to step back in time and witness a defining moment in subcontinental history.

The restored space features a faithful replica of the trial proceedings held 95 years ago, complete with lifelike statues of Bhagat Singh and Justice Sir Shadi Lal, the presiding judge. The painstaking attention to detail recreates the tense yet momentous atmosphere of the colonial-era courtroom, transforming it into a vivid reminder of a chapter that shaped the freedom struggle. Heritage officials described the project as part of a broader effort to preserve Lahore’s historic sites and present them as immersive experiences, enabling visitors not just to view history but to feel it.

Under the supervision of Secretary of the Price Control and Commodities Management Dr Ehsan Bhutta, restoration work is also underway at the historic Sir Shadi Lal building at the Government College of Technology (GCT) Lytton Road. Two heritage galleries — the Ghazi Ilm Din Shaheed Gallery and the Sir Shadi Lal Gallery — have been established in the restored 1909 structure. This site holds great legal and cultural significance; in 1929, the appeal of Ghazi Ilm Din Shaheed was heard here, with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah himself appearing in the case. Ghazi Ilm Din Shaheed was also held in the same building’s hawalaat. Officials say this initiative aims to inspire students, jurists, history enthusiasts, and tourists through the preservation of national heritage.

Justice Sir Shadi Lal, remembered as one of the subcontinent’s most distinguished jurists, was born in 1874 in Rewari, Haryana. After studying at Lahore’s Government College, he proceeded to England for higher studies at the University of Cambridge and qualified as a barrister from the Middle Temple in 1899. Returning to India, he began a legal career marked by brilliance and integrity, rising to become a judge of the Lahore High Court in 1912 and, in 1920, its first Indian Chief Justice. He held the position for 14 years, earning a reputation for fair and judicious decisions that left a lasting imprint on the region’s legal framework. In recognition of his services, the British government conferred upon him the title of “Sir.”

The courtroom at Poonch House holds a special place in history as the venue for the pivotal 1931 trial of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. The trial stemmed from events set in motion by the death of nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai in 1928 after a police lathi charge, prompting Bhagat Singh to vow revenge. In December that year, British police officer J.P. Saunders was assassinated in Lahore. The following year, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi to protest against repressive colonial laws. The ensuing legal proceedings in Lahore became one of the most talked-about trials of the freedom struggle, culminating in the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on March 23, 1931, in Lahore Central Jail.

Today, the Bhagat Singh Gallery at Poonch House serves as both a historical exhibit and an educational space. By preserving the memory of pivotal figures such as Bhagat Singh and Justice Sir Shadi Lal, it seeks to inspire younger generations to value justice, freedom, and the sacrifices made for them. The replica courtroom, along with detailed historical context, offers an evocative glimpse into the past — ensuring that the legacy of courage and the pursuit of justice continues to resonate with all who visit.