HC set to get another 234 CCTV cameras

The Punjab and Haryana High Court caters to three states and has a massive number of visitors other than litigants. “The decision has been taken to install 234 CCTV cameras keeping in view the large number of people visiting this high court. Moreover,we do not want to take any risk especially after the Delhi High Court blast,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP),Security,Deepak Saran.

The DSP added that depending on the need more CCTV cameras may be installed in future.

The project will be completed by the UT Engineering Department. While 96 CCTV cameras will be installed in the multi-level parking of the high court,78 others will be installed in different court branches. As many as 60 cameras will be installed on the HC premises to monitor entries and exits.

At present,59 CCTV cameras are functional in the high court. All these are attached to a central security room located on the top floor of the old high court building.

The committee also decided to have ten computerised counters to issue entry passes to visitors and litigants. At present there are only two such counters. The committee is also contemplating restricted entry during working hours. It was proposed that only those who have been summoned by the court or called by concerned lawyers be allowed to enter high court premises during working hours.

“The idea is to not let the high court become an overly crowded place. The high court staff,including senior officials and court employees will be issued identity cards and passes.

Moreover,computerised machines will be installed at every entry gate in which the employee/visitor will have to punch in his identity card,only after which he will be allowed to entry,” said a senior high court official.