KOCHI: Stung by repeated incidents of important files going missing, the Kerala High Court has finally decided to implement a file-tracking system, and held a meeting with the Ernakulam Range Inspector General and City Police Commissioner to discuss the security issue.The meeting with the top cops was held last week. Once the file-tracking system is implemented, ‘missing’ and ‘misplacement’ of files can be avoided as the system can track each file as it moves from one section to another. The system will enable to get real-time status of the file - which officer in which section is handling it and to which department it will be forwarded to, official sources said.
The court has also decided to install a sufficient number of CCTV cameras in all sections, corridors and stairs where public and others have access. At present, 92 CCTV cameras have been installed at the court premises, but they are not enough to monitor every nook and corner. Around 7,000 people including advocates, staff and clerks, visit the court every day, said security officers.
The High Court will also introduce proximity cards for regulating entry into the court premises. It also decided to collect details of advocates, clerks and their drivers. A High Court Advocates’ Clerks’ Association representative said there are 330 registered clerks serving at the High Court, while around 100 persons were not registered. The entry of unauthorised clerks would be restricted soon.
After repeated file missing incidents, the court halls are now locked soon after the judge f
nishes the sitting for the day. The decision to beef up security was taken after the court found that some files related to Malabar Cements corruption case went missing. The single judge had observed that the security of the High Court was at stake and the situation was alarming. Soon after this, the High Court administrative committee headed by Acting Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy evaluated the security of the court.
It also convened a joint meeting of judges, Advocate General, Kerala High Court Advocates Association chief, Kerala Federation of Woman Lawyers president, Registrar General, City Police Commissioner, Kerala High Court Advocates’ Clerks’ Association, security officer of the High Court and representatives of various staff associations.
The court has decided to approach the government seeking to deploy more cops at the premises. An officer said that at present 61 police personnel are working at the court. “Considering the number of visitors and the present situation, as many as 300 police personnel are needed to strengthen security,” the officer added.