Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the denial of security to judicial officers in Chandigarh, directing the Union Territory Administration to submit a detailed reply within two weeks.
Security Concerns Raised
The issue came to light after the High Court’s building committee passed a resolution on August 4 highlighting that judicial officers posted with the registry were not being provided adequate security cover.
During committee discussions, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Chandigarh, cited staff shortages as the reason for not deploying security personnel.
Bench Observations
Hearing the matter, a bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry stressed that the safety of judicial officers is the direct responsibility of the Union Territory Administration.
The judges observed that officers engaged in sensitive judicial work must receive full protection, as their safety is essential for the effective functioning of the judicial system.
Directions to UT Administration
The Bench made it clear that shortage of staff cannot be used as a justification to deny security. It emphasized that security for judicial officers is a matter of law and order, and must not be compromised.
The High Court has directed the Chandigarh Administration to submit a detailed affidavit, specifically from the Director General of Police (DGP), within two weeks.
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