Thaindian News

New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) The Delhi High Court Wednesday issued notices to the central and Delhi governments after taking note of a petition seeking adequate security arrangements against terror attacks in the national capital.

The division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Sanjiv Khanna issued the notices and sought the respondents’ reply within six weeks.

“Counter affidavits shall be filed within six weeks,” said the bench, fixing the matter for disposal Dec 14.

Taking note of the petition filed by the Society of Indian Law Firms, Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw earlier said that it was in public interest and referred it to the division bench.

The petition sought the union home ministry’s directions to the chief secretary of the Delhi government to take adequate measures, including deployment of the Rapid Action Force and the National Security Guard (NSG), for security in the city.

The petition sought direction to both the central and the state governments to “permanently” deploy a battalion of the NSG at various locations here.

“Police and the security agencies should be trained and equipped to deal with terror attacks,” said the petition, adding that a centralised intelligence system should be set up.

Referring to the Sep 7 blast outside the court, the petition said that the judges should direct the governments to procure and provide adequate equipment, vehicles and machinery for quick mobility of crisis management agencies by road as well as air.

The petitioner said that CCTV cameras should be installed at various locations, including all district courts, the high court and the Supreme Court.