Kerala High Court beefs up security measures; advocates to get RFID cards

The Kerala High Court has beefed up security measures on its premises..According to a notice issued by the High Court, the decision to implement these measures was taken in light of some recent instances of security breaches.Apart from stricter implementation of baggage and body scanning especially for those other than lawyers and staff entering the High Court building, it has been decided to issue RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards to advocates and advocate clerks. .The following is the full list of measures that will be put in place:All persons coming with baggage, especially parties -in- person/ litigants, shall scan their baggage at the baggage scanners installed at the entry points before entering the High Court building;If found necessary, persons including parties-in-person/ litigants and those who are issued with a pass shall be subjected to frisking by using hand-held metal detectors by the security personnel deployed at the entry points, to avert instances of bringing hazardous objects into the building;Persons bringing weapons or such potentially hazardous objects shall be denied entry into the High Court building and the same shall be seized and reported to the local police or returned, depending on the nature of the object attempted to be brought inSteps are underway to issue RFID cards to advocates and advocates' clerks and also to install the Flap Barrier System. Till the completion of the aforesaid measures, the identity verification procedures implemented by an earlier notice will continue to be in force;Advocates who are not in robes are required to show their ID Cards at the entry points for identification. Verification of the identity of person(s) wearing the robes of a lawyer will be done, only on suspicious circumstances;Advocates' clerks shall wear ID cards on entering the High Court building;All staff members of the High Court shall wear their ID cards conspicuously while entering the High Court premises, so as to enable the Security Personnel to swiftly verify their identity. However, in the event of inadvertent omission in bringing the Identity Card while coming to the Office, the Staff Members shall furnish their name, designation and section to the Security Personnel and shall mark their bio-metric attendance in the thumb-reader installed beside the Entry -1. Henceforth, such entry shall be restricted to be only through Entry No.1 (Near SBI);All other stakeholders, including government officials, except litigants / other visitors, shall wear their ID cards or shall be in proper uniform while entering the High Court;Issuance of pass to outsiders will be restricted to the maximum extent possible. In the case of litigants/party-in-person, persons accompanying the parties shall not be allowed to enter the High Court, except when it is warranted by special circumstances; andThe Deputy SP (Security), High Court is at liberty to take legal action as per law against persons who are not abiding with the security instructions or are using force against the security personnel..Man attempts to slit wrist in Kerala High Court after girlfriend decides to go with parents in habeas corpus case.[Read Notice].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.