Established in 1900 in Lahore by Lala Dharam Das Suri, the Punjab Law Reporter (PLR) is one of the oldest continuously published legal journals in the Indian subcontinent. Founded during the British colonial era, the journal was created to systematically report and preserve important judicial decisions from the Punjab Chief Court and the Financial Commissioner, making legal precedents more accessible to the Bar and the Bench.

More than a law report, the Punjab Law Reporter has been a witness to India’s legal and political evolution. During the freedom movement, its founder actively participated in the struggle against British rule and was imprisoned in 1919. Despite facing colonial pressure, the publication continued its mission of documenting the development of law. Following the Partition of India in 1947, the journal relocated from Lahore to India, ensuring the continuity of a legal legacy that had already become an integral part of the profession.

For over a century, the Punjab Law Reporter has chronicled thousands of landmark judgments across civil, criminal, constitutional, and commercial law. It is particularly renowned for its comprehensive reporting of decisions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court and has served as an indispensable reference for judges, advocates, legal scholars, and students. Its archives also preserve significant historical cases, including proceedings relating to Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s trial, reflecting its importance not only as a legal publication but also as a historical record of the administration of justice.

Published continuously for over 125 years, the Punjab Law Reporter stands as a symbol of resilience, legal scholarship, and editorial independence. Having survived colonial rule, the upheaval of Partition, and changing judicial landscapes, it remains one of India’s most respected legal reporting journals, preserving the rich jurisprudential heritage of the region for future generations.