HC orders current security cover of CJ, other judges

The Meghalaya High Court today directed the central and the state governments to extend Z and Y category security cover given to the chief justice and other judges of this high court even after their retirement in view of reported threat perception in the country.
The direction came as Chief Justice Uma Nath Singh and one of the judges are to demit office later this month, after the HC issued orders and judgement in 'high risk cases' connected with insurgents in the state.
A division bench of the Chief Justice and Justice T N K Singh directed the Joint Secretary, Union Home Ministry, to immediately issue necessary orders to provide security at the place of residence of the Chief Justice and the judges after they demit the office and during their journey or shifting from one place to another.

The order came following an affidavit filed MHA Joint Secretary (NE) Satyendra Garg that security cover for the chief justice and the judges will 'continue' till a fresh assessment is made considering their place of stay after they retire.
While amicus curiae K Sultan Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the affidavit, he submitted that there should be 'minimum' security cover on permanent basis even after fresh assessment of threat perceptions is made.
Accordingly, the bench further directed that a fresh assessment be made "in consultation with the protectee" even as in the course of their movements from one place to another.

The next hearing has been scheduled on January 13, a day before the Chief Justice retires. His colleague, Judge T N K Singh hailing from Manipur will retire on January 31.