The Himachal High Court has expressed serious concern over a security breach at the Judicial Court Complex in Hamirpur and has sought detailed reports from all district and sessions judges and superintendents of police regarding security arrangements in judicial complexes across the state.
Suo Moto Cognisance of Incident
The orders were issued by Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C Negi after the High Court took suo moto cognisance of the incident that occurred on May 25. On that day, a person entered the court premises carrying a loaded firearm, unlocked the weapon, and threatened to kill advocates and judges.
Fortunately, the individual was overpowered and apprehended by police officials who were present at the court for proceedings.
Security at Judges' Residences
The court has also inquired whether security personnel are deployed at the residences of district and sessions judges who handle sensitive cases, including those involving death sentences. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 23.
The High Court directed the state government to file a status report on the implementation of directions issued by the Supreme Court in the case of Pradyuman Bisht versus Union of India, which pertains to the security of court complexes.
Armed Guard for High Court Judges
Additionally, the court has directed the state government to submit an affidavit regarding the provision of armed guards for the security of High Court judges at their residences.
The Director General of Police has been instructed to file a consolidated affidavit after gathering reports from all superintendents of police in the state.
Background of the Incident
The security lapse at Hamirpur court complex raised serious questions about the safety of judicial officers and litigants. The individual who entered with a loaded firearm was reportedly overpowered before any harm could be done.
This incident has prompted the High Court to seek comprehensive security assessments across all judicial complexes in Himachal Pradesh to prevent such occurrences in the future.
