HC summons Home Secy on security of Judges

SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya has summoned the Union Home Secretary for assistance and an early decision regarding protection to be provided to the retired Judges.
During the hearing related to the matter on Monday, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh and Justice TNK Singh, while referring to the letter written by  JPN Singh, Director (NE.I), Union Home Ministry addressed to the central government counsel R Debnath seeking three week’s time to take up the issue, pulled up the MHA official  for not taking decision in time and wanted the Union Home Secretary to appear before the Court.
Court pointed out that the State Government had already categorized the security cover provided to the Chief Justice and the Judges of the Meghalaya High Court by letter dated December 18 written to Pranab Biswas, Under Secretary , Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
As per the letter, while Chief Justice of  Meghalaya High Court is a Z category protectee, the two Judges are Y category protectees.
However, a letter dated December 31, written by JPN Singh, to counsel R Debnath, representing the Union of India by way of instruction and for information to the Court, said that the security of Chief Justice and other Judges of the High Court of Meghalaya falls under the purview of the Meghalaya Government.
He also said that as per standard procedure, Chief Justices and other Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts are provided statutory security cover by the respective state police based on threat assessment which is reviewed from time to time.
In the letter, he also sought from the High Court adequate time, at least 3 weeks, for filing affidavit on threat perception of Judges of High Court of Meghalaya.
The furious High Court, however, said, “We have earlier also noticed the dismal performance and indifferent attitude of JPN Singh in various other cases where the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been a party. Director, (NE.I), JPN Singh, instead of solving the issues, seems to be in the habit of not taking any decision on one pretext or other,”.
The High Court also rued that the last order containing the direction for categorization of security cover was passed way back on 10.12.2015, but till date the MHA official has not done the needful.
Hence, the High Court directed the Union Home Secretary to remain present in the Court January 7 for assistance and early decision.