Delhi High Court Mandates Ongoing Security Oversight in Capital's District Courts
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has issued directives for the police to maintain the existing security arrangements across all district courts in the national capital. The court emphasized the necessity for regular reviews of these measures in close consultation with the respective principal and district judges. This decision aims to bolster safety protocols and ensure a secure environment for legal proceedings.
Background of the Suo Motu Case
The directive emerged from a suo motu case initiated by the high court on February 9, following an alleged attack on a lawyer by his opposing counsel inside a courtroom at Tis Hazari earlier this year. The bench, comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justices V Kameswar Rao and Nitin Sambre, took cognizance of the incident where the lawyer was reportedly beaten and heckled on February 7, even as the courtroom door was bolted from inside during a hearing.
During the hearing on Thursday, counsel for Delhi Police provided updates on the investigation. It was revealed that the investigation into the FIRs related to the incident has been completed, and a chargesheet is expected to be filed in the trial court shortly. The police assured the court that adequate personnel have been deployed in the district courts and that security arrangements, referred to as 'bandobast', have been reviewed in each district after discussions with all stakeholders, including the judiciary.
Court's Decision and Disposal of Petition
The bench observed that keeping the matter pending would serve no further purpose and thus disposed of the petition. In its order, the court stated, "We direct that the security 'bandobast' which has been put in place in each of the district courts will continue and shall be reviewed on a regular basis by the police authorities in consultation with the respective principal and district judge." This ensures a proactive approach to security management, with ongoing assessments to address any potential vulnerabilities.
Earlier in the proceedings, Delhi Police counsel mentioned that the agency had received two rival complaints regarding the incident, leading to the initiation of FIR registration. The counsel assured that investigations would proceed under the relevant BNS sections, with a report to be submitted to the court. The case was heard after the Supreme Court directed the aggrieved lawyer to approach the high court, highlighting the judicial system's commitment to addressing such incidents promptly.
This ruling underscores the high court's focus on maintaining law and order within court premises, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts between police and judiciary to prevent future altercations and ensure the safety of all legal professionals and participants.
