The Delhi High Court on Thursday took suo motu cognisance in the wake of the shocking and gory shootout that occurred inside the Rohini Court Complex on September 24, which left three people dead and one woman lawyer injured.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh, issued notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, the Delhi Government, the Centre and the Delhi High Court Bar Association, among others, and directed the respondents to file suggestions in the form of an affidavit or report on the issue of maintaining safety and security at all court complexes in the national capital.
“This court wants valuable suggestions from the respondents for security at all court complexes in Delhi… The respondents shall give their valuable suggestions in the form of an affidavit or report, so that immediately an order can be passed for better security to be installed at court complexes in Delhi,”
-noted the High Court.
Further, the Bench directed the respondents to exchange their suggestions inter-se, and especially with the Delhi Police Commissioner, the Delhi Government and the Centre, which are the authorities to implement the suggestions for ensuring better security at courts in Delhi.
The Bench opined that there is a need for an effective deployment of sufficient number of police personnel at all court complexes in Delhi. In addition, the Bench stated that there is a need for installation of more number of CCTV camera at all strategic points, along with a fool-proof entry system with installation of hi-tech metal detectors and baggage scanners at all courts in Delhi, including the High Court.
The Bench further opined that there is also a need for provision for Under Vehicle Surveillance System (UVSS). “Proper training to the police personnel who are deputed at court complexes is also required,” stated the Bench further. The matter will be taken up on October 5.
A similar plea was filed by Advocate Gaurav Mishra, seeking improvement of security arrangements in the District Court complexes in Delhi. The Bench refused to entertain the petition in light of the suo moto cognizance taken by the Court on the instant issue. However, liberty was reserved with the petitioner to file an intervention application in the cognisance taken by the Court on its own motion.
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On the afternoon of September 24, wanted gangster Jitender alias Gogi, was shot inside Rohini Court by attackers who entered in the guise of lawyers. The incident happened in the Rohini Courtroom, when Gogi was presented before the judge.
The Delhi Police Special Cell killed the two attackers, who are believed to be from the rival Tillu Tajpuria gang. Around 35-40 rounds were fired in the ensuing shootout, wherein three lives had been lost.
Following the incident, CJI N.V. Ramana expressed deep concern at what had happened in Rohini Court Complex, and advised the Delhi High Court Chief Justice him to talk to both police and Bar to ensure that the functioning of court is not effected. The matter of safety and security of Court Complexes and judicial personnel is already under consideration by the Apex Court.