Advocates write to PM for security at City Civil Court

Five Year Law Course Advocates Association in its letter, a copy of which is marked to the chief secretary to the government and Union Ministry of Home Affairs, says that the complex faces threat of untoward incidents such as the recent one at the Delhi High Court.

The complex has over a 100 court halls where both civil and criminal matters of Bangalore Rural and Urban districts are adjudicated. It is located adjacent to deputy commissioner’s office and attracts heavy influx of public. The banks, canteen and hawkers add to the floating population. The complex premises also has a parking place.

“There are no security personnel to check the vehicles entering the premises. At least 10,000 people could be found at the complex even at 10 in the morning. In addition, the Metro underground work and the nearby traffic signal add to the problem. Any untoward incident will lead to heavy causalities,” the letter says.

The Association has also made some suggestions to control the crowd and traffic. It suggests that the employees of courts and public offices should possess identity cards and that advocates should follow dress code. Advocates should be issued 10 or 20  smart cards, which they can also give to their clients so as to allow entry into the courts.

The vehicles entering the premises should be restricted and the hawkers should be evicted. The letter has also sought to introduce frisking of bags and baggages and installation of CCTV cameras in the court halls and the complex premises.

The letter says that no distinction could be made between the lower courts, the High Court and Vidhana Soudha when it comes to security. “It is an experience that Bangalore is a soft target for terror. The authorities concerned should address these issues immediately,” says the letter signed by S Umesh, President FYLCAA. A copy of the letter has also been sent to leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Chief Minister D V Sadananda  Gowda and Home Minister R Ashoka.

The security at the High Court was beefed up following the bomb blast at Delhi High Court. CCTV cameras were installed at vantage points, baggage scanner and metal detectors were introduced and additional police personnel were deployed at the court premises.

However, no such measures were introduced at the Civil Court complex.