The Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered police authorities to maintain and regularly audit security arrangements across all district courts in the national capital. The directive comes as the court concluded its suo motu proceedings initiated after a lawyer was allegedly attacked by opposing counsel inside a locked courtroom earlier this year.
A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya, Justice V. Kameswar Rao, and Justice Nitin Sambre, emphasized that the safety of the judicial environment must remain a priority through continuous coordination between law enforcement and the judiciary.
The case originated from a disturbing incident on February 7 at the Tis Hazari Court complex. According to court observations, a lawyer was reportedly “beaten and heckled” by his opposing counsel while the courtroom door was bolted from the inside.
The High Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter on February 9, following a suggestion from the Supreme Court that the aggrieved lawyer approach the high court for redressal. At the time, the court expressed serious concern over the breach of security and the nature of the physical altercation within a place of law.
During the hearing, counsel for the Delhi Police informed the bench that the investigation into the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by both parties is now complete. The police confirmed that a chargesheet is expected to be filed in the trial court shortly.
Furthermore, authorities reported that “adequate police personnel” have already been deployed across various district courts. The police stated they have conducted comprehensive reviews of the bandobast (security arrangements) in each district to prevent future lapses.
Noting that sufficient measures had been initiated, the bench decided that keeping the petition pending would serve no further purpose. However, they left behind a strict mandate for the future.
“We direct that the security bandobast which has been put in place in each of the district courts shall continue and shall be reviewed on a regular basis by the police authorities in consultation with the respective principal and district judge,” the court ordered.
The bench’s decision ensures that security is not a one-time reaction to the February incident but a dynamic process managed through ongoing consultation between the police and the presiding judges of the respective districts.
