PRADYUMAN BISHT Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Would not hope for the litigants who visit the temples of justice dwindle, if the very halls of justice lack the shield of security? How can the litigants secure justice for them when those entrusted to render justice are themselves insecure? These are questions which disturb us to no end, considering certain recent happenings involving firing of gun shots within the precincts of courts in India.

(2.) It is appalling that court premises in the national capital itself, in the past year or so, have witnessed at least three major incidents of gunfire. Preserving the sanctity of a court as a space where justice is administered and the rule of law upheld being non-negotiable, it is critical that judicial institutions take comprehensive steps to safeguard the well-being of all stakeholders. Such incidents, that too in court premises, are deeply concerning and pose significant risks to the safety of not only judges but lawyers, court staff, litigants and the general public.

(3.) We are also not oblivious of another incident of not too distant an origin. On 28/7/2021, tragically, an Additional Sessions Judge posted at Dhanbad in the state of Jharkhand was hit by an auto-rickshaw while taking a morning walk and he succumbed to his injuries. It is suspected that the incident is not merely a hit and run incident, but there is something more than what meets the eyes. However, since the proceedings are not finally concluded, we refrain from dilating on such incident. Suffice it to note that lives of judges, off the court, of late are also not entirely safe and secure.