Delhi police have been asked to submit a status report on a petition seeking to ensure enough security in district courts in the national capital, following a shootout that took place last week inside the crowded Rohini court that left three dead.
Issuing notice to Delhi Police and Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) about a plea filed by a woman advocate, Justice Rekha Palli has asked the report to be filed within five days.
The Delhi High Court will next hear the matter on October 11.
“This is urgent. Lawyers may also become victims of incidents like these, observed justice Palli.
Advocate Robin Raju appearing for another petitioner stated that his client has been shaking after witnessing the videos and photos of the Rohini court shootout
The court was told that Delhi Police is taking necessary steps to ensure adequate security set-up in the district courts is geared up.
Also Read: Rohini court firing: CJI expresses concern on safety of court complexes
Advocate Deepa Joseph in her petition said that for several years she has been practising law in various courts of Delhi, which happens to be unsafe and an easy way for gangsters to settle their scores with each other. Therefore, this scenario makes courts unsafe for lawyers working there.
She gave several suggestions on how to improve the security of the courts including installing biometric punching devices outside the entrance gates of all the courts. She also asked for direction to Delhi Police and BCD to consider instructing the police officers appointed at the court entrances to make sure that every lawyer who enters the court premises is thoroughly checked along with their ID cards.
Also Read: Gangster Gogi, 2 from rival gang killed in shootout inside Delhi court; attackers posed as lawyers
Delhi's most wanted gangster Jitendra Gogi who was jailed in Tihar jail was killed by two assailants posing as lawyers inside Rohini Courtroom on September 24. In a dramatic shootout, the two attackers were also killed during a retaliation from the police. Few others were also injured during the firing.
Video footage of the incident went viral while questions on the safety of the courtrooms have been doing rounds. The video showed policemen and lawyers in panic and scrambling outside the building.
The two gunmen disguised as lawyers are suspected to be members of rival Tillu gang, an official said, adding that around 30 shots of bullets were fired.