Today(on 1st April),Supreme Court issues notice to Uttar Pradesh Government over non-functional CCTV cameras in the courtroom where Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia was assaulted, emphasizing the importance of state accountability for maintaining court safety.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 1st April), The Supreme Court of India, addressed an urgent issue concerning the safety and integrity of legal proceedings within the nation. The Court, issued a notice to the Government of Uttar Pradesh, focusing on the situation of non-functional CCTV cameras in a courtroom, where an assault on Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia was reported. This directive emanates from a deeper concern for ensuring the accountability of the state in maintaining the necessary infrastructural safeguards within court premises.
The bench, presided over by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justice JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, took decisive action upon being apprised through a report about the inoperative CCTV cameras. Highlighting the gravity of the matter,
The Court emphasized-
“The report has highlighted that despite receiving multiple letters, the CCTV cameras remain inoperative, thereby failing to preserve any footage.”
In response to this concerning revelation, the Supreme Court ordered the wide circulation of the report to all pertinent entities, including the Bar Council of India (BCI), thereby widening the scope of scrutiny and accountability.
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Advocate Garima Prashad represented the State of Uttar Pradesh.
The Court’s proactive involvement extended beyond that point. Chief Justice Chandrachud, recognizing the broader ramifications of such security shortcomings, unequivocally stated that the judiciary would not tolerate any actions that compromise the integrity of legal proceedings.
“We take this matter seriously – instructing judicial officers and others not to fulfill their duties. We strongly condemn such actions. No lawyer has the authority to coerce another to vacate the courtroom.”
-he articulated.
Furthermore, Senior Advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Adish Aggarwala presented his views, acknowledging the rights of lawyers to request a court’s observation of a strike but firmly negating any compulsion in such matters.
“There’s no designated bar leader, but they still have the right to petition the court.”
-he mentioned, to which the Chief Justice responded with a definitive stance-
“Not at all! Lawyers cannot say hum aapko aane hi nahi denge. Not done.”
The entire situation originated from a incident on March 21, when Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, who is also a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Advocate Muskan Gupta were assaulted within a Greater Noida Court.
The assault, occurring amidst a lawyer’s strike, prompted the Supreme Court to take Suo motu cognizance, highlighting the institution’s vigilant approach towards ensuring the safety and security of its members. Notices were dispatched to the President of the Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida) Bar Association, and directives were issued for the preservation of CCTV footage.
CASE TITLE-
In Re: Assault on Two Members of the Supreme Court Bar Association at Gautam Budh Nagar District Court Complex