The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Centre, Delhi government and senior police officers to hold a meeting within a week to address the issue of provision of Personal Security Officers (PSOs) and ensure adequate security arrangements at the residences of judicial officials in Delhi, observing that the safety of trial court judges is a major concern that requires quick action.
During the meeting, the authorities should also collect information on whether other states have made security arrangements for judicial officers, Justice Manoj Jain said.
“The issue is important. I am with you on that. The bench noted that the seriousness of the grievance raised in the petition cannot be underestimated in any way.”
“Let a meeting be held in this regard between the relevant senior officials of the GNCTD, MHA and the police so that a report in this regard is submitted by the time of the next hearing. Let such a meeting be held within a week,” she added.
The observation came while hearing a petition filed by the Delhi Judicial Service Association, which represents judges of the metropolitan trial court, seeking directions to the Center and the Delhi government to provide personal security officers and ensure security at their residences.
The association reported that many judicial officers drive their own vehicles and have faced instances of stalking, threats and road rage while handling sensitive criminal matters, including cases involving gang rivalries.
Adequate security is essential for judges to discharge their duties effectively, she said, noting that states like Gujarat and Maharashtra have already made security arrangements mandatory for judicial officers.
They also confirmed in their petition that they had also sent a representation in this regard to the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court in April 2025, but its status is unknown.
Delhi Police, represented by Standing Advocate Sanjay Lau, described the case as important and said that a call would be taken on the matter.
Considering the submissions, the court also issued notice in the petition and fixed April 21 as the next hearing date and also asked the Registrar General of the Supreme Court to submit a report on the status of representation.
