The Bombay High Court ordered increased security measures in family court premises. The decision comes after the court noted a rise in incidents of violence and assaults in these courts. The bench emphasized the need to ensure the safety of judges, lawyers, and litigants. Authorities have been directed to implement strict security protocols immediately.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court in Aurangabad mandated that police authorities across Maharashtra enhance security measures at family courts.
The directive, issued by a bench comprising Justices V V Kankanwadi and Sanjay Deshmukh, requires the assignment of a gunman or bodyguard to the principal judge at each family court, along with two male constables and three female constables for immediate deployment.
This decision follows an increase in violent incidents within family court premises, often stemming from high tensions between litigants, some of whom have resorted to physical altercations or brought weapons.
The court was addressing a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the safety and security of court environments, highlighting that emotionally charged disputes, particularly in marital cases, have led to assaults on opposing parties and their legal representatives.
The court had previously taken suo moto cognizance of the issue after multiple assaults on judicial officers, prompting the state government to collect data and formulate a comprehensive security policy for all courts in Maharashtra.
Also Read: Delhi Boosts Judicial Capacity: 10 New Family Courts Approved to Tackle Case Backlog
The principal secretary of the Home Department was given four weeks to provide an affidavit detailing a security plan.
During a recent review of progress on this security audit, the court noted that reports from the Director General of Police (DGP) had not yet been submitted, despite a deadline that had passed on February 7.
The court emphasized the need for improved coordination among various government departments to expedite data collection.
To address the immediate safety concerns, the court ordered the principal secretary of the Home Department and the Law and Judiciary Department to gather necessary data from all courts in Maharashtra by March 28, and to finalize a security policy by April 22. Local bar associations and senior officials from the Public Works Department are to be involved in this process.
Moreover, the Registrar General of the High Court was tasked with ensuring compliance with these directives and must report back within ten days. The court made it clear that any instances of non-compliance would be addressed with the relevant police authorities.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 29.
Advocate Aniruddha A Nimbalkar served as Amicus Curiae, while Deputy Solicitor General AG Talhar represented the Union of India and the State of Maharashtra. Public Prosecutor AB Girase appeared for the High Court, and Advocate AB Kadethankar represented the Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa.
Case Title: Amicus Curiae v UOI
Read Attachment
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
