Almost one-and-a-half-years after the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) took charge of security at the Madras High Court, the First Bench of the court has observed that there are no terrorist activities [at the premises] warranting provision of security cover by central forces.
“I have been in this court for about a year now and there are no terrorist activities warranting the CISF,” the Bench of Acting Chief Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh and Justice R.M.T. Teeka Raman said on Monday.
The Bench made the observation on a PIL challenging suspension of certain advocates. “The court premises are for the general public and it should not be like court martial. If any law and order problem arises, it is for the local police to manage,” the Bench added.
‘Let Centre foot the bill’
Appearing for the petitioner, advocate R.C. Paul Kanakaraj pointed out that the State government has been spending about ₹66 crore a year towards salary, accommodation and other perks to the CISF personnel guarding the court premises. To this, the Bench said, “If the Central government is keen on providing high security to the court, why should the State government pay for it.”
Originally, former Chief Justice S.K. Kaul was instrumental in getting CISF protection for the High Court.
The Bench, headed by the former Chief Justice, in September 2015, directed the Union government to provide security through central forces following a demonstration by a section of advocates inside Court Hall No. 1 of the High Court.
When Assistant Solicitor General of India Su. Srinivasan pointed out that other high courts including the Delhi High Court are under CISF security, the Bench said, “May be, it is required there because Delhi is nearer to Pakistan.”
