Affidavit not given on the security of judges: Supreme Court reprimanded the states, Center said – National level force is not practical for the security of judges

The Supreme Court warned the states that they would impose a fine of Rs 1 lakh each if the reply was not filed on the next hearing.

The central government has told the Supreme Court that the issue of security of judges should be left to the states. The formation of a national level force for this would not be practical. The Center said this on Tuesday during the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court in the case of the judge’s murder in Jharkhand. The Supreme Court had said that can a national level force be constituted for the protection of judges across the country? A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana (CJI), Justices Surya Kant and Aniruddha Bose also strongly reprimanded the states for not filing their replies in the matter.

The court warned the states that they would impose a fine of Rs 1 lakh each if the reply was not filed on the next hearing. It is to be known that the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the issue of security of judges in the case of murder of Dhanbad judge Uttam Anand after being hit by an auto.

In this case, answers were sought from all the states of the country regarding the security of the judges. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, told the bench that they have issued guidelines on the security of judges to all the states. The Union Home Ministry has issued comprehensive instructions to the states for the safety of judges.

State police better at handling intelligence
Tushar Mehta said that the formation of a national level force for the protection of judges is not practical, it should be done by the states at their level. This is because it requires daily coordination with the local police. In this context, it is advisable to deploy police for the security of the courts and judges in the states. The state police can better deal with surveillance of criminals, intelligence about threats, etc. Policing is a state subject.

That is why they have issued guidelines to the states. Justice Surya Kant said that the guidelines are fine, have the central government also fixed the parameters. We mean to say whether those instructions are being followed or not? To what extent have the judges been protected? You are the central government.

Call the DGP of the states and call for a report. Tushar Mehta said that the Center will soon hold a meeting with the DGPs and Chief Secretaries of the states to follow their guidelines. Chief Justice Ramana said that except Assam, no state has given a satisfactory reply. Several states have not yet filed their replies.