Foolproof security for HC judges

KOCHI: “There could be an attempt to kidnap the Kerala High Court judges or other senior officials from the court premises or outside,” revealed a confidential intelligence report submitted by the police before the High Court a couple of weeks ago. The intelligence input has pointed out the urgent need for enhancing the security of High Court and the judges.The security wing of the police is planning to come up with a foolproof security system for the Kerala High Court and Judges in the light of the recent blast in the Delhi High Court.“Considering the nature of sensitive cases being handled by the High Court, including those pertaining to fundamentalists and Left wing extremist oraganisations, the growing vulnerability of Kochi and emergence of the city as economic capital point to the fact that HC is an ideal target for an attack,” the report said.The police also suspect that there is a possibility of planting explosives, including LED in the High Court building. There are chances for an armed attack, assault on judges and other higher ups by anti-national groups. “The authorities decided to intensify the security system on the court premises. In the first phase, Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV) will be placed on each floor so that the security personnel can easily monitor the movement of people,” sources said. The state government had given administrative sanction for `1.10 crore for implementing the project.“As many as 92 cameras, including dome and night vision types will be installed on the court premises and outside. There are five big gates for vehicles to enter the compound and small gates for pedestrians. Of these, the central gate is opened only occasionally,” the officials said. The gap between the decorative steel pillars and the gate is sufficient to allow the entry of intruders into the compound. “The CCTVs would also be installed at gates so that the police can monitor the outside area including vehicles at a distance of 500 metres,” report said.The officials pointed out that vehicles of advocates and other staff are parked inside the compound without any security check. The police have also sought permission for using mirror trollies to check vehicles entering the HC premises, other than judges’ vehicles.