*Court premises at Jammu, Srinagar to get CCTV cameras
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 6: Pointing out several shortcomings in the existing measures, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Chief Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and Justice Bansi Lal Bhat has issued series of directions to the security and other agencies for ensuring fool proof security arrangements in the court complex at Janipur. The directives include early installation of sufficient number of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to maintain hawk’s eye in and around the complex so that security of the Judicial Officers, Advocates and litigants is not compromised at any cost.
The directions have been passed in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Summit Nayyar seeking directions regarding proper security in the court complex at Janipur.
After going through the comprehensive report filed by SSP Security Jammu, the DB observed, “from the perusal of the Yellow Book, a classified document, it emerges that the security cover provided to all the Judges of this court is liable to be withdrawn/reduced depending upon the threat perception”, adding “the compliance report states that the security cover is provided on the basis of threat perception report assessed and the individuals facing threat are categorized by the Security Review Coordination Committee”.
“All Judges of this court are categorized as “Z” category protectees. Presiding Officers of TADA/POTA courts have also been placed in “Z” category. Other Judicial Officers are provided security cover by the District Police within their territorial jurisdiction as per local threat”, the DB said, adding “the fresh compliance report, though comprehensive and elaborate, fails to identify the category in which the sitting Judge is placed immediately upon demitting of office”.
“Unless such category is specified, enhancement or reduction of security cover based upon threat perception is rendered unworkable. The Policy guidelines appear to be vague on this aspect. A Judge of this court, on laying of robes, is entitled to be placed in a category for enjoying the security cover and the minimum in this regard is required to be specifically provided”.
On this, Advocate General prayed for some time to file an affidavit in this regard and accordingly the DB granted four weeks time for the purpose.
Regarding security provided in District Court Complex, the DB observed, “as per the report of SSP Security Jammu during peak hours, there is huge rush of litigants, advocates and other visitors at the access points and it is difficult to control persons seeking entry who stand in a queue due to scarcity of space as the atrium area is occupied by advocates”, adding “it is suggested that the door of existing gate of main building be modified and separate entries be provided for advocates, staff and general public. It is urgently required to be done as in case of emergency more exit points are provided. Moreover, separate entry for judicial officers is also required to be restored”.
“Given the security scenario, it would be grossly hazardous to evacuate the inmates of the building in case any emergency arises. Any lapse in this regard may result in a human tragedy which has to be averted at all costs”, the DB said, adding “this would necessitate structural changes to be effected in the building as such MD JKPCC is directed to constitute a team of Technical Experts for conducting a survey on spot for exploring all possibilities of making structural changes necessary to open two more entry and exit gates to cope up with the rush of visitors including advocates, litigants and staff at peak hours without compromising with the safety of the building”.
“Based upon such report the JKPCC shall make the structural changes within the shortest possible time. The entry/exit gate meant for the Judicial Officers/Presiding Officers of courts shall also be made functional and ADG Security shall provide security gadgets like DFMDs and HHMDs with necessary man power support for regulating entry and exit at all gates”, the DB further directed.
Finding merit in the suggestion regarding vacation of atrium, the DB observed, “this will not only streamline the inflow of visitors at the main entry gate of the District Court building but also take care of stampede which may be witnessed in case of any emergency exit from the building”. Accordingly, DB directed President Bar Association to file response within four weeks in this regard. “Further directions may be needed on this aspect as the sterile zone created by vacation of the atrium can be used with a common entry point for entrance to both buildings of the District Court Complex which may necessitate enclosing the atrium space”, the DB said.
The DB further observed, “the compliance report lays bare that strategic locations for installation of CCTV cameras in court premises at Jammu and Srinagar have been identified and proposal for allotment of funds for procurement of 50 CCTV Cameras, 25 for each location has been submitted to State Government”. Accordingly, DB directed that progress in this regard shall be reported within four weeks and Principal Sessions Judge Jammu shall identify a room for utilization as command room for installation of monitors for CCTV purposes at the ground floor of the main building and submit compliance report in this regard.
Regarding entry passes, Division Bench observed that suggestion regarding issuance of multi-color passes to the visitors for restricting their movement to a particular area is not opposed. “This would necessitate setting up of reception counters at the entry points. A mechanism needs to be evolved in this regard. Man power shall also be required for translating the suggestion into action. This may not be possible within the given human resource component as most of the courts are under-staffed”, the DB said, adding “petitioners need to come up with elaborate suggestions in this regard and report is also required to be called from Principal Sessions Judge Jammu to ascertain the feasibility of this suggestion, strength of personnel required for the purpose and whether the courts can spare any staff within the existing human resource component”.
Regarding Malkhana, Division Bench observed, “as per report of Principal Sessions Judge Jammu, necessary directions have been given to SSP Jammu to remove all the live explosive materials from Malkhana and get the same diffused/disposed of by experts in presence of a Magistrate”.
“Compliance report in this regard is required to be filed”, the DB said and directed that Principal Sessions Judge shall issue a general direction requiring all investigating and prosecuting officers to produce certificate of disposal of explosive materials/substances along with the charge-sheets as and when same are laid before CJM/Duty Magistrate for judicial determination.
“He shall also ensure conducting of inspection of Malkhana and if any hazardous article/substance like explosive substances, petroleum products or other combustible materials are found, cause the same to be disposed off under appropriate orders”, the DB said, adding “the suggestion regarding shifting of Malkhana would depend upon construction of a New Malkhana for which Principal Sessions Judge shall come up with a proposal within the time frame of four weeks”.
Regarding security cards, the DB directed Registrar General to take up the matter with the Information Technology Department and submit a detailed report regarding the suggestion of introduction of high-tech security cards for enrolled advocates, court staff and the clerks of advocates.
Regarding security in High Court complex, Division Bench observed that construction of parking place behind Advocate General’s Office is in progress. “Proper entry and exit roads need to be carved out for use by general public on payment basis. Separate parking slots can be identified by the Traffic Police for use of Judges, Advocates and court staff”, the DB said, adding “decongestion of traffic in the High Court Complex being a priority, vehicles of general public are required to be disallowed from T-Junction on Janipur High Court road”.
“President Bar Association needs to respond to the suggestions made in this regard and in the compliance report, several points have been raised for ensuring fool-proof security arrangements within the premises of High Court complex. These include installation of a proper iron gate at the end of boundary wall near Judicial Academy, deployment of a receptionist at the main gate for identification of the entry-seekers, fixing of sentary posts all along the perimeter wall, provision for a drop gate barrier at the junction leading towards the entry gate of Judges and setting up of a command room for monitoring and surveillance of CCTV footage in High Court”, the DB said, adding Registrar General shall examine these suggestions and come up with his response.
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