Many occasions within the past and also the insecurity of proper security in near future has raised a floor for discussions on steps and methods that are must to be taken for ensuring the safeguarding of judges, lawyers, court staff and litigants and rectifying the “serious lapses” within the security arrangements in the premises and also in the court complexes.
Commonly situated in the centralized areas of the state for simple access by all, court complexes are a necessary and an integral part of a critical infrastructure of the judiciary. Every day, thousands of individuals from different places gather to attend hearings and trials and to handle other legal matters.
Looking at the character of activities and also the proceedings taking place, courts usually become susceptible to acts of violence. Which is that the reason why courtrooms everywhere are taking the required steps to safeguard their property, the visitors and employees, similarly because the integrity of the system.
The recent shootout inside a courtroom at Rohini District Courts Complex1, Delhi, has given space to varied questions on the ignorance of proper security checks of all the concerned authority and also the relevancy to the right guardingof governmental institutions. This raises suspicion on all the sectors of working in such places be it the lawyers, the court staff, the police personals or the other someone getting in the premises for his appearance within the court itself.
It's a shocking incident that the district courts where thousands of advocates visit on routine became so unsafe and simple terrain for gangsters to settle scores with one another. Recent cases of violence within the courtrooms have also shown the arrogance of lawyers to cooperate with frisking or security checks at the entrances. Such cases speak volumes about the lackadaisical approach of security agencies towards court complexes. Even legal interns who practice together with the lawyers don't undergo proper checks which also hampers the full frisking of all people of the court.
Not only the Rohini Court incident, but also an analogous incident in July 2021 also raises eyebrows where a person was shot outside an advocate’s chamber in Dwarka District Courts Complex,Delhi.
On 26 September 2021, Saturday, a petition was filed by the Bar Council of India3 in Delhi judicature seeking directions to any or all the authorities concerned to require requisite steps to make sure safety and security of lawyers, judges and litigants entering the courts. This plea also demanded to form a call of putting in biometric punching devices all told the courts.
Such instances not only put an enormous punctuation on the working of the governmental institutions but also hinder the right functioning of the courts. Such instances specially occur in matters concerning criminal interests so on hamper or alter the evidences or to threat the attention witnesses thus, altering with the facts of the criminal cases.
Even the CJI N.V.Ramana showed a deep concern about the instance and therefore the increasing cases of such acts within the courtrooms or the court complexes especially within the working hours. Several other lawyers' bodies have also suggested that entry of advocates in court premises here should be allowed supported a "smart card" having a digital chip for verification of identity. Maintaining security throughout a courthouse is incredibly important for the protection of the judges, court employees, enforcement staff, and therefore the public. However, maintaining security within a courtroom when these individual participants are assembled near prisoners in an exceedingly criminal trial is critical. A careful analysis of the particular deficiencies in one procedure, may okay cause solutions involving the opposite security procedures.
For the aim of protecting the integrity of the judiciary, there should be a sense of security established for the people visiting and dealing at the courthouse in each and each citizen. Improving security controls and screening processes is one among the simplest and most vital thanks to do that. As part of that aim, training must be considered as a vital component to support improved security measures.
Whether employing checkpoint security and/or mailroom security, training is importantr for security personnel to be effective and successful in their duty. It's a fundamental duty for courthouse screeners to safeguard and protect the people’s safety and keep firearms, weapons, drugs, and restricted items from entering a courthouse, courtroom, or chambers.
The shootout inside a courtroom at Rohini District Courts Complex has opened the floor for discussions on steps that need to be taken to ensure the safety of judges, lawyers, court staff and litigants and rectify the “serious lapses” in security arrangements within the premises.
The incident has not only brought to light the lackadaisical approach of security agencies, but questions are also being raised on the “arrogance” of lawyers who allegedly do not cooperate with frisking or checking.
In a meeting held by Rohini Court Bar Association (RCBA) with judicial officers and coordination committee members, it was discussed how the security model of Delhi High Court could be adopted at district courts complexes.
In a statement, RCBA said it was decided that security checks would be strictly enforced at the entry and exit gates throughout the day. The members, advocates, court staff and litigants shall cooperate with the security checks by showing ID cards and also allow their vehicles to be checked thoroughly.