The Gauhati High Court has issued a stark directive, calling for an immediate and comprehensive review of personal security arrangements for all judicial officers in Assam. This urgent order comes in the wake of a disturbing incident where a judicial magistrate was assaulted and threatened.
Court Hearing Reveals Alarming Incident
The bench of Justice Pranjal Das was recently hearing a bail petition filed by Hafijur Rahman and Atowar Rahman. The duo was accused of attacking a judicial magistrate-cum-civil judge (Junior Division) from Bilasipara in Dhubri district. According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the magistrate, the incident occurred on December 1 when he was on his way to his office.
The magistrate alleged that he was subjected to verbal abuse and threats. The accused individuals also attempted to strike him with a wooden stick and vandalized his car. Following the complaint, the petitioners were arrested on December 2 and had been in judicial custody since December 4.
Bail Granted with a Stern Warning on Security
After considering the arguments, the court decided to grant bail to the accused. The order cited the progress of the investigation and the length of their detention as factors in the decision. However, the court used the platform to deliver a powerful message that extended far beyond the specifics of this case.
The bench emphasized that the right to public safety and security is a fundamental entitlement for every citizen, and even foreigners visiting the country. "Needlessly to say, that not just the victim or the informant (magistrate) belonging to the judicial fraternity, every citizen is entitled to his right to public safety and security, irrespective of what he is in life," the court observed.
High Court Mandates State-Wide Security Review
The court explicitly stated that this incident serves as a critical reminder. It highlighted the necessity to re-evaluate security protocols for judicial officers of all ranks, not just senior judges. The order pointed out that officers handling criminal cases are particularly vulnerable as their work can offend vested interests.
"Judicial Officers in the course of their work, especially those working on the criminal side, could offend vested interests and invite risks. Therefore, their personal security at all times needs to be taken care of well," the court remarked.
Consequently, the Gauhati High Court has directed the state government's home department and the Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam Police to undertake a thorough review of the personal security arrangements currently in place for all judicial officers across the state. This directive underscores the judiciary's growing concern over the safety of its members while performing their official duties.
