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Delhi HC Orders Urgent Meeting on District Judges' Security Concerns

The Delhi High Court has directed senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Delhi government, and the Delhi Police to convene a meeting within a week to review security for district court judges. The order came during a hearing on a petition highlighting that judges face threats, stalking, and aggressive behavior, often while traveling without protection. The court emphasized the seriousness of the concerns, noting judges handle sensitive criminal cases and incidents of firing have occurred in court premises. It directed the authorities to also examine security measures for judicial officers in other states like Maharashtra and Gujarat and to submit a detailed report within two weeks.

Key Points: Delhi HC Directs Meeting on Judges' Security Review

  • Court orders urgent security review
  • Judges face stalking and threats
  • Petition seeks personal security officers
  • Cites security models from other states
  • Directs detailed report in two weeks
2 min read

Delhi HC directs MHA, Delhi Govt, police to meet on judges' security

Delhi High Court orders MHA, Delhi Govt, and police to meet and review security for district judges within a week, citing serious threats.

"The safety of judicial officers is a matter of great concern and cannot be taken lightly. - Justice Manoj Jain"

New Delhi, March 24

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday told Senior officials from the Union Home Ministry, the Delhi government and the Delhi Police to sit together and review the question of security for district court judges within a week.

The direction was passed during the hearing of a petition filed by the Judicial Service Association of Delhi, which represents trial court judges.

Justice Manoj Jain underlined that the safety of judicial officers is a matter of great concern and cannot be taken lightly. The Court made it clear that the concerns raised in the petition are serious and require immediate attention. It also directed that a detailed report of the meeting be placed before it within two weeks.

The Court further said that while discussing the issue, the authorities should also examine what kind of protection is being given to judicial officers in other states.

The petitioner association has sought personal security officers (PSOs) for district judges along with proper security arrangements at their residences.

It pointed out that many judges travel without security and have faced incidents like stalking, threats and aggressive behaviour on roads. The plea also highlighted that judges regularly handle serious criminal cases, including gang-related matters, and there have even been instances of firing in court premises.

Senior Advocate Kirti Uppal, appearing for the association, told the Court that several judges have been subjected to threats. He cited an incident where a woman judge was warned to remain silent if she wished to stay safe. He also informed the Court that states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat have already put security measures in place for judicial officers.

Representing the Delhi government, Standing Counsel (Criminal) Sanjay Lao acknowledged the importance of the issue and said the government would take an appropriate call.

The High Court also took note of the fact that the association had earlier submitted a representation to the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court, but there was no clarity on what action had been taken. The Court therefore asked the petitioner to include the Registrar General as a party in the case and directed that a status report on the representation be filed before the next date of hearing.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some action! The safety of our judges is paramount for a functioning judiciary. If they are under threat, how can we expect fair trials? States like Maharashtra have already acted. Delhi, being the capital, should set an example, not lag behind. 👏
A
Aman W
While I agree judges need security, I hope this doesn't become an excuse for VIP culture. The focus should be on functional security for their role, not just adding more PSOs as status symbols. The directive to review what other states do is a good, practical step.
S
Sarah B
The incident about the woman judge being warned to stay silent is terrifying. It shows the immense pressure they work under. This isn't just about physical security, but also about protecting judicial independence from intimidation.
V
Vikram M
Typical. The association had to go to court because their earlier representation got lost in bureaucracy. The HC asking to make the Registrar General a party is a sharp move. Hope this forces accountability. "Appropriate call" from the govt counsel sounds like bureaucratic speak for more delays.
K
Kavya N
Security at residences is as important as personal security. Judges' families shouldn't live in fear. This is a basic duty of the state. Let's see if the MHA, Delhi Govt, and Police can actually sit together and sort this out in a week. Fingers crossed! 🤞

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