Aishwarya Rathore –
Published on: September 6, 2021, at 13:00 IST
The Centre told the Supreme Court that providing security to Judges and Court premises is the duty of State Governments, as Police and Public order are State subjects, and that it can only issue guidelines, which it has already done.
The Centre stated, “Public order and Police are covered under List II of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and hence, the security of Courts and Judges is under the purview of the respective States/Union Territories (UTs).”
The Centre further stated that “Guidelines have been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for the security of the High Courts and the District/ Subordinate Courts. The said guidelines, inter-alia, prescribe that the Protection Review Group (PRG), consisting of State Special Branch, Intelligence and Home departments, undertake periodic review of the Security arrangements.”
The Government stated that it issued guidelines in 2007 requiring States and UTs to create specialised units/branches to look after the security of Judges/Courts.
On a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Karaunakar Mahalik, the Court will also consider whether a Special force similar to the Railway Protection Force should be established under the supervision of the Judiciary to safeguard Judges and Court premises.
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