Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 25: Division Bench of State High Court has directed the State to file response in the Public Interest Litigation regarding withdrawal of security from Judicial Officers.
After hearing Advocate Nadia Qadeer appearing for the PIL filed by two advocates namely Prem Sadhotra and Rajneesh Raina whereas AAG Vishal Sharma appearing for the State, DB directed respondents to file response and compliance report within 10 days in terms of order dated May 21, 2015 whereby Division Bench had directed State to file a detailed status report in the context of issues raised in the petition.
The DB had sought to know the action, if any, taken in compliance to the Full Court Resolution of November, 2008 whereby High Court of Jammu and Kashmir had recommended to the Government for issuance of Logos on vehicles carrying the description of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Judicial Magistrate and Judge.
However, nothing has been done by the State in this context. Instead of adding up to their security, respondents in terms of order dated 1.12.2014 withdrew even the personal security of the Judicial Officers.
In the PIL, it has been submitted that all the Judicial Officers including the 1st Class Magistrates perform the nature of duty that has a potential of exposing to real threats and intimidation. Such incidents are numerous. Their duties include remand under offences like 302, 376 of Ranbir Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, NDPS etc. The District Judges also perform the nature of duties even on civil side which exposes them to threats and intimidation.
“The situation of law and order in the State is unsatisfactory thus making the judicial officers more vulnerable”, the PIL said.
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