[Rohini court shootout] Delhi Police suggests segregation of civil and criminal courts, 11 other measures to tighten security in courts

The Delhi Police on Tuesday placed before the Delhi High Court a list of measures to augment the security in court complexes in the National Capital Territory, in the aftermath of the shootout at Rohini District Court last month which had left three people dead (Court on its own motion vs Commissioner of Police, Delhi).Pursuant to the High Court's order of September 30, 2021, Standing Counsel, Santosh Kumar Tripathi filed a status report on behalf of the Commissioner of Delhi Police, enlisting the suggestions for enhanced security in courts.The suggestions came in a suo motu matter registered by the High Court pertaining to the security concerns in courts following the Rohini court shootout."The Court has observed that there is an imminent and urgent need to take effective measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur and further directed the respondents to give their suggestions in the form of an affidavit/ Status Report to aid the formatting of measures for ensuring security in the Court Complexes in view of the shootout incident at Rohini Court complex," the report read.The suggestions included more CCTVs, increased barricading and also special gadgets like 'boom barriers'. Pertinently, one of the suggestions was to segregate of civil and criminal Courts."The atmosphere in civil courts remains calm in comparison to the criminal courts due to a huge foot-fall. Therefore, it is suggested that both the courts may be segregated so that it will not only help in maintaining peace and tranquility but also reduce the manpower required and then police can focus more on criminal courts," the report said. In addition to this, the report also mentioned that a security audit of all seven district courts of Delhi had been conducted and that the same was being analysed for further course of action to revamp the existing security of the Courts.The report also mentioned that the Security Unit, a specialised unit of the Delhi Police has now taken over the security of the seven district courts..The other steps mentioned in the status report include:1. It has been observed that Court premises remain overcrowded by the presence of unwanted visitors. Therefore, the purpose of all visitors must be ascertained after proper verification and checking summon/ notice issued by the concerned courts or any other document, which justifies their presence in the court. This will not only reduce unnecessary crowd but also help security staff in maintaining law and order;2. Given the mark of technology it would be prudent to maximise its use. Physical presence and production ought to be resorted to in extreme and in compelling circumstances. This will obviate security concerns to a substantial degree;3. ID Card of lawyers who enter the court should be checked and only authorized vehicles should be allowed inside the court premises after proper checking with security equipment. All lawyers are requested to cooperate with security staff during security checks. Further, the District Bar Associations are directed to direct the lawyers to do the same;5. Security gadgets installed in courts are outdated and need to updated or replaced with high resolution CCTV and Monitors, 360 degree vehicle scanning with RF tag/ bar code reader facilities, scanners for luggage and bag checking, scanners for explosive and NDPS checking, boom barriers, etc. District courts may be directed to provide these security gadgets and logistics at the earliest to the security unit at each court;6. CCTV cameras with adequate storage capacity shall be installed at the vulnerable points in each district court with proper monitoring. Such high resolution cameras as near the lock up should be revamped by installing more CCTVs in such a manner that it covers all the area inside and outside the lock-up rooms. Concertina wires and CCTV Cameras should be installed on the boundary wall of courts to prevent unauthorized entry into the court premises;7. Coordination meetings amongst all the stakeholders i.e. district judges, security staff, members of the Bar Association,etc. should be conducted regularly to discuss security or other connected issues;8. Segregation of civil and criminal Courts;9. Lawyers' chambers inside court premises should not be allowed to open till late night. Concerned district courts may issue an order in this regard;10. In all the seven district courts, there should be proper facilities of barracks , ladies rest room with basic amenities, offices and sentry posts so that that the staff can effectively perform its duty 24/7;11. To handle, any untoward incident, an ambulance equipped with basic medical facilities should be stationed in every district court;12. In all seven courts, the parking area is insufficient for lawyers, thus vehicles are parked inside and all along the boundary walls, imposing a great security risk. Thus, new infrastructure needs to be developed in nearby places with multi-level parking facilities for advocates and clients,etc.When the matter came up before the Court for hearing on Tuesday, the Central government was directed to share their suggestions with all the parties so as to avoid duplicity of suggestions.The matter will come up for hearing again next Monday..[Read status report filed by Delhi Police].[Rohini Firing] Share suggestions to improve court security with DHCBA: Delhi High Court