The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked senior officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Delhi government and the Delhi Police to convene a meeting within a week to address concerns over the security of district court judges. The direction came from Justice Manoj Jain, who underscored the seriousness of the issue while hearing a plea by the Judicial Service Association of Delhi.

“The issue is important. I am with you on that...The severity of the grievance raised in the petition cannot be undermined from any angle whatsoever,” the Court observed.

Meeting within a week, report in two weeks

The Court directed that the meeting be held within a week and a report be submitted before it within two weeks. “Let a meeting in this regard take place between the competent senior official of the GNCTD, MHA and Police so that a report in this regard be filed by the next date of hearing. Let such a meeting be held in a week,” the order stated.

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The Court also said that authorities should examine whether other states have already put in place security arrangements for judicial officers.

Judges flag threats, lack of protection

The plea, filed by the Judicial Service Association of Delhi, highlighted safety concerns faced by trial court judges. It sought directions for providing personal security officers and ensuring adequate protection at their residences.

The association pointed out that many judicial officers drive their own vehicles and face risks such as stalking, threats and incidents of road rage. It also noted that judges often preside over sensitive criminal cases, including gang-related matters, and that there have been instances of firing at court premises.

Appearing for the association, Senior Advocate Kirti Uppal told the Court that judges have faced direct threats. “There was one instance where a lady judge was told, 'Kam bolo agar jeena hai to (speak less if you want to stay alive),” he said.

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Reference to other states and pending representation

Uppal added that states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat have already made security provisions for judicial officers.

Representing the Delhi government, Standing Counsel Sanjay Lao said a decision would be taken on what he described as an “important” issue.

The Court also took note of a representation sent by the judges’ association to the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court, the status of which remains unclear. It directed that the Registrar General be impleaded as a party and submit a report on the representation.