"Supreme Court's Comprehensive Directives for Enhanced Court Safety and Digitisation Nationwide [Prayuman Bisht v. Union of India]
The Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling on Friday, issued a series of measures aimed at bolstering safety and security within court premises while advancing the digitisation of courtrooms across the country. The case, involving Prayuman Bisht v. Union of India, was presided over by Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Dipankar Datta. Emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of safeguarding stakeholders in the judicial system, the Court expressed profound concern over recent incidents of gunfire within Delhi courts, the nation's capital.
In a strongly-worded statement, the Court questioned the paradox of seeking justice within halls lacking security, pondering the impact on litigants. It decried the distressing occurrences of gunfire within court precincts and stressed the inadequacy of relying solely on CCTV installations to thwart such incidents.
The Court's verdict went beyond conventional measures, outlining a comprehensive framework for security enhancement:
1. Mandating the formulation of a security plan in collaboration with State Home Departments, Police officials, and Commissioners of Police, covering all levels of courts.
2. Proposing the establishment of permanent Court Security Units with detailed provisions for personnel strength, deployment, training, and benefits.
3. Urging prioritized installation of CCTV cameras as an integral part of court construction projects.
4. Addressing data privacy concerns and recommending appropriate guidelines.
5. Recommending vigilant security measures at entry-exit points, including police deployment, security equipment, and controlled access.
6. Monitoring and regulating activities of shops and vendors within court premises to prevent security lapses.
7. Ensuring immediate access to emergency services like ambulances, medical aid, and firefighting, and managing traffic and parking congestion.
8. Advocating for digitisation initiatives such as Audiovisual (AV) technology, Videoconferencing (VC) for evidence recording, live-streaming of court proceedings, and e-SEWA Kendras in remote areas.
The Court acknowledged the need for swift action while advocating for innovative technological solutions, particularly in district-level courts. It highlighted the urgency of revitalizing court management system committees and accelerating technology adoption.
This landmark directive arose from a series of petitions addressing judicial safety and security. The suo motu case stemmed from the tragic death of Dhanbad Additional District and Sessions judge Uttam Anand, while another plea by Pradyuman Bisht sought widespread CCTV installation. Advocate Vishal Tiwari's petition shed light on attacks against judges, underscoring their impact on judicial dignity and public safety.
Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra assisted the Court as Amicus Curiae in this pivotal decision."
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TAGS: Supreme Court directions safety security court premises gunfire incidents Delhi courts CCTV stakeholders judicial system litigants security plan Court Security Unit CCTV camera installation data privacy entry-exit points emergency measures digitisation Audiovisual technology Videoconferencing e-SEWA Kendras court management system committees district-level courts petitions judicial safety Prayuman Bisht v. Union of India justices S Ravindra Bhat Dipankar Datta non-negotiable national capital comprehensive framework police deployment technology adoption Amicus Curiae plea attacks public safety landmark ruling.
