Daily Current Affairs : 16-August-2023

The recent proposal by the Supreme Court of India to establish “permanent security units” for safeguarding court complexes across the nation comes in the wake of escalating incidents of gunfire and violence within these premises. This essay delves into the rationale behind the need for such units, the proposed plan, and its key components.

The Need for Permanent Security Units

Over the past year, Indian courts have experienced an alarming surge in instances involving gunfire and violence. At least three major incidents have underscored the vulnerability of court premises to such acts. Consequently, it has become imperative for the judicial system to take robust measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all those associated with the legal proceedings.

Addressing the Issue: The Proposed Plan

In response to the mounting concerns about security, the Supreme Court has taken a proactive step by directing the High Courts to collaborate with the Principal Home Secretaries, Directors-General of Police, and Police Commissioners. The objective is to formulate comprehensive security plans that would effectively shield court complexes from potential threats.

Components of the Security Plan

The security plan, as recommended by the Supreme Court, encompasses several critical components aimed at enhancing court security. These include:

  1. Establishment of Permanent Court Security Units: The cornerstone of the proposal is the establishment of permanent court security units within each complex. These units will be tasked with ensuring the safety of all individuals entering and exiting the premises.
  2. Manpower Allocation: The security plan outlines the strength and sources for drawing manpower for these security units. This encompasses both armed and unarmed personnel, as well as supervisory officers for each unit. The well-trained and adequately equipped personnel will be at the forefront of maintaining security.
  3. Deployment Strategy: The plan outlines the minimum term and mode of deployment of manpower, ensuring a consistent and sustained presence of security personnel. This strategic approach will contribute to deterring potential threats and maintaining a secure environment.
  4. Duties and Responsibilities: The roles and responsibilities of security personnel within these units will be clearly defined. These duties will encompass a range of tasks, including but not limited to, screening visitors, conducting security checks, and promptly responding to emergencies.
  5. Financial Benefits: The proposal includes provisions for additional financial benefits for security personnel, acknowledging the increased responsibilities and risks associated with their roles. This recognition is likely to motivate personnel to perform their duties with utmost dedication.
  6. Training Modules: A significant focus of the security plan is on training modules. Specialized training sessions will equip personnel with the skills and knowledge required to handle various security challenges effectively. This training will also encompass crisis management and conflict resolution.
  7. Sensitization Efforts: Sensitizing security personnel about the nuances of court security is paramount. The security plan emphasizes the need for ongoing sensitization efforts to ensure that personnel understand the unique nature of court premises and the importance of maintaining a secure environment conducive to justice.

Important Points:

Ensuring Court Security: Key Points

  • Recent Proposal: The Indian Supreme Court has put forth a proposal for establishing “permanent security units” in court complexes across the nation to counter incidents of violence and gunfire on court premises.

Need for Permanent Security Units

  • Escalating Incidents: In the past year, there have been at least three significant incidents of gunfire and violence within Indian courts.
  • Protecting Stakeholders: Ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone associated with the judicial process is crucial.

Proposed Plan Components

  • Collaboration: High Courts will collaborate with Principal Home Secretaries, Directors-General of Police, and Police Commissioners to devise effective security plans.
  • Permanent Units: The plan entails the creation of permanent court security units in each complex, responsible for safeguarding court premises.
  • Manpower Allocation: Armed and unarmed personnel, along with supervisory officers, will be allocated to these security units.
  • Deployment Strategy: The security plan will detail the duration and mode of personnel deployment for consistent security coverage.
  • Defined Responsibilities: Roles of security personnel will be clearly defined, including visitor screening, security checks, and emergency response.
  • Financial Benefits: Additional financial benefits will be provided to recognize the increased responsibilities and risks undertaken by security personnel.
  • Training Modules: Specialized training sessions will equip personnel with skills for effective security management, crisis handling, and conflict resolution.
  • Sensitization Efforts: Ongoing sensitization initiatives will ensure security personnel understand the unique nature of court premises and the importance of maintaining a secure environment.
Why In News

In response to the alarming incidents of gunfire and violence on court premises, the Supreme Court has introduced a groundbreaking initiative by suggesting the implementation of dedicated “permanent security units” tasked with safeguarding court complexes nationwide. This proactive measure aims not only to ensure the safety of legal proceedings but also to foster an environment where justice can be dispensed without fear or intimidation.

MCQs about Establishing Permanent Security Units

  1. What is the significance of the collaboration between High Courts, Principal Home Secretaries, Directors-General of Police, and Police Commissioners in the proposed security plan?
    A. To organize social events within court complexes.
    B. To establish a hierarchy among court personnel.
    C. To formulate comprehensive security plans for court complexes.
    D. To promote legal education among security personnel.
    Correct Answer: C. To formulate comprehensive security plans for court complexes.
    Explanation: The collaboration aims to create comprehensive security plans that effectively protect court premises from potential threats.
  2. What aspect of security personnel’s roles will be emphasized by the proposed security plan?
    A. Their roles as custodians of court records.
    B. Their responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in the premises.
    C. Their roles in facilitating public interactions with judges.
    D. Their clear roles, including visitor screening, security checks, and emergency response.
    Correct Answer: D. Their clear roles, including visitor screening, security checks, and emergency response.
    Explanation: The proposed plan will clearly define the roles of security personnel, which include visitor screening, security checks, and emergency response.
  3. Apart from financial benefits, what other key element is highlighted in the proposed security plan to motivate security personnel?
    A. Providing them with luxurious office spaces.
    B. Allowing them to lead court proceedings.
    C. Offering them legal training to become lawyers.
    D. Specialized training modules to enhance their skills and knowledge.
    Correct Answer: D. Specialized training modules to enhance their skills and knowledge.
    Explanation: The specialized training modules will be provided to security personnel to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to handle various security challenges effectively.

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