Entry of people and vehicles into court premises is likely to be restricted and metal detectors and surveillance cameras may be installed to make it foolproof.

These are some of the recommendations made by the City police at a meeting held, in which some High Court judges, office-bearers of the City Bar association and senior police officers participated. The proposals are now kept open for taking the views of advocates practising in High Court.

There’s a daily inflow of around 7,000 people including judges, advocates, staff members and visitors to the Court, besides the 2,000 vehicles that roll in every morning.

Presently, though the entire court premises is fenced, there are no physical restrictions or security checks on the entry of people. The number of security staff available is also inadequate. There are 14 internal security personnel and 20 watchmen, on shifts, at the High Court. For external security, the requirement assessed is of 45 police constables but there are only 32 constables, out of which 23 are from the reserve police.

Entry Restrictions

There are six gates to the fenced court premises, two of which are only for pedestrians. Control on access is suggested by regulating entry of people and vehicles from these gates - One gate on Press Club side is proposed to be totally closed. Entry of vehicles would be restricted only to Golden Jubilee gate in front of Vidhana Soudha and the gate near the post office in the court premises. Petty shops within the court premises are proposed to be evicted.

Unlike the Vidhana Soudha, there’s no check on people entering the High Court, which contributes to the vulnerability factor. Soon, all employees of the Court and advocates would be asked to carry identity cards, and their vehicles will be provided with the passes. And other visitors, including witnesses and parties in cases would be required to obtain entry passes from the reception centres to be set up at certain entry points.

Metal Detectors

There are six major entry points and a dozen other minor entry points to the court building. Among these, all minor entries are proposed to be closed and Door Frame Metal Detectors will be installed at the six major entry points - near the post office gate, SPP’s office, central portico entrance, front wicket gate and two back entrances. Surveillance cameras are also proposed to be set up at some selective places.