SC slams Tamil Nadu Police over security at Madras High Court

The Supreme Court on Wednesday slammed the Tamil Nadu Police for failing to provide adequate security to the Madras High Court, forcing it to seek security from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

A bench of Justices T S Thakur and Prafulla C Pant also came down heavily on lawyers who, along with their family members, resorted to a sit-in protest inside the courtrooms with one demand or the other.

“We can't allow institutions to be held to ransom like this. How can lawyers come and gherao the court like this? What kind of system it is,” the bench asked senior advocate L N Rao, appearing for Tamil Nadu.

Rao challenged the Madras High Court’s order of October 30 to deploy security personnel from CISF, saying it would have a demoralising effect on the state police, which have so far been providing security to the high court.

He also claimed that the CISF might not be comfortable with the local language, creating further issues. He also said the move would carry an additional financial burden of Rs 36 crore annually on the state government.

The bench, however, told him, “Institutional integrity, dignity and grace can’t be compromised. You are unable to stop them (agitating lawyers). The HC is totally insecure with the local police. The Chief Justice and other judges are entitled to seek not only CISF but Army and BSF also if need arises.”

Making it clear that the apex court would not handle security issue of the high court, the bench said, “The state police have become totally ineffective and they feel it is a matter between lawyers and judges and have been mute spectators.”

Rao said a group of lawyers from Madurai bench of the high court protested direction to wear helmet. They feel they are above law, he contended.