‘VIP protocol’ sought for judge’s son, judge says cancel order

Asked how the communication could have been sent without his knowledge or approval, Justice Bora told The Indian Express over phone, “I will have to check. If something is wrong from my side, I should accept. I have talked to the Registrar General and (the) protocol officer.”

He also said, “I am shocked that such a communication was sent for my son. It should not have been done.”

The communication — The Indian Express has accessed a copy — sent by the Deputy Registrar (Administration) of Aurangabad bench on October 18 was marked “VIP visit/Top Priority”. It was addressed to the Deputy Registrar (Protocol) of Rajasthan HC benches at Jaipur and Jodhpur. It informed the protocol branch that Akshay P. Bora, son of Justice Bora, was to visit Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Mount Abu, Udaipur and other places between December 3 and 12. The tour programme was also enclosed.

The communication stated: “Kindly direct the concerned officials to make necessary arrangements as to receive, see-off, accommodation (reservation of one VIP suite at each place of halt and brief halt), provide transportation (Innova Car of recent model in good condition with red beacon light) as per programme, and extend all the usual courtesies as per the enclosed programme.”

The communication also stated, “The arrangements made in this behalf may please be communicated to this office [Aurangabad], immediately.”

“In routine course it [the communication] might have been sent but it was never brought to my notice,” Justice Bora said, adding that his son is leaving for Jaipur on Saturday “to see one of his friends”.

Asked whether it was a routine practice by the HC protocol branch to seek VIP protocol for family members of judges, Justice Bora said, “No such protocol is there for family members of judges. It is some enthusiasm shown by protocol branch, like in case of a High Court judge’s tours…. I would never ask for such treatment for my son. (In fact) my son has booked a private taxi from Jaipur for his tour.”