HC rebukes state for security of its premises

Mumbai, Sep 28 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today lashed out at the inability of the state to install and initiate necessary security measures for its premises within two weeks as directed earlier.

A Division Bench comprising Justices R M Lodha and S A Bobde directed Additional Commissioner of Police, Security and Protection, Vinay Kadhgaonkar, to personally visit the court premises everyday in the morning and ensure its safety.

According to it, ACP Kadhgaonkar has to take vigilance and submit the review report daily to the Registrar General of the HC, directed the judges.

State Government Pleader, Mr K Belose, however, contended before the court that installation of 27 close-circuit televisions across the courthouse needed the setting up of an electrical system.

The same would require calling of tenders for the purpose.

Also, trained personnel would be needed for monitoring of the CCTVs and follow-up action in case of any emergency. The security measures also included 2 electronic bag-scanners, one control cabin and two temporary chowkis at the court entrances.

Informing that the state had already sanctioned Rs 55 lakh for the security of the HC, Mr Belose said, the implementation of all these measures would require a minimum time of three months.

The court said it was advisable for the state to initiate action immediately on war-footing for these premises as the HC building was one of the important structures over which terror threats loomed.

The court, however, directed the state to complete the installation process and take all steps for security measures within two months. Until then, the ACP would maintain vigil.

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