State police plan to keep a check on all visitors and strengthen security on court premises, following the murder of advocate Naveena
State police plan to keep a check on all visitors and strengthen security on court premises, following the murder of advocate Naveena
The state police plan to frisk all advocates entering the high court corridor. The move follows the murder of
advocate J S Naveena (25) by Rajappa (28), who is also a lawyer, in the court premises yesterday.
Following the murder, the chief justice and senior judges have reportedly asked the police to strengthen security in the court precinct.
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| The slack security at the main gate of Bangalore High Court. |
"Earlier, when terror threats forced us to raise security, the lawyers had objected to it. Some even carried licensed firearms in the court premises. Now following Naveena's murder, we have no choice but to frisk everyone, including the lawyers," said a senior city police officer.
While the Advocate Association has welcomed the move, Putte Gowda, the president of the body, said, the police should ensure members are not put to unnecessary harassment.
"The long lines that will become the norm in front of the main entrance once the measures are put in place could lead to more problems. Our fear is that the frisking and increased security could not only inconvenience advocates but clients as well," said Gowda.
Senior advocate Navkesh Batra argued that the high court already has sufficient security. "Frisking would be waste of time and energy.
There are 40 policemen and expensive metal detectors in place in the court precincts. All the police needs to do ensure no one enters the high court corridor without passing through the metal detector and no one is allowed to carry weapons inside," said Batra.
Director General and Inspector General of Police Dr Ajai Kumar Singh confirmed that his department was seriously considering a security upgrade at the high court. "We are contemplating expanding the ambit of security checks to include advocates," said Singh.
| Holes in security |
| Metal detector at the HC main gate was not working when Rajappa went inside and stabbed Naveena to death
Gates other than the main one has just one guard and no metal detectors
Pedestrians from Press Club and Cubbon Park road are allowed in court premises without proper checks |
