The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued fresh notice to all Delhi District Court Bar Associations and sought their suggestions on the issue of maintaining safety and security at all court complexes in the national capital.
On September 30, the Division Bench led by Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh had taken a suo moto cognisance in the wake of the shocking shootout that occurred inside the Rohini Court Complex on September 24, 2021, which left three people dead and one woman lawyer injured.
The Bench directed the Centre, the Delhi Government, the Delhi High Court Bar Association and all District Court Bar Associations to file their “valuable suggestions” in the form of an affidavit or report, pointing out measures imperative to ensure the safety and security of Advocates and other stakeholders in the court complexes in the city.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre as well as the Delhi Police Commissioner, informed the Bench that in pursuance of the previous order dated September 30, the Delhi Police Commissioner has already filed a report indicating suggestions in aid of formulating measures for maintaining safety and security at all court complexes in the national capital. The matter will be taken up next on October 12.
The Bench, on the last date of hearing, had stressed on the need for 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 the courts in Delhi, including the High Court.
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.It may be recalled that the matter of safety and security of Court Complexes and judicial personnel is already under the consideration by the Apex Court.