Gujarat govt orders security for judges, their families after shoe-throwing incident in sessions court

In the wake of a recent incident at the Bhadra Sessions Court, where a shoe was hurled at a judge during court proceedings, the Gujarat government has directed police authorities across the state to provide enhanced security to all judges, judicial officers, and their families.

The incident, which drew widespread condemnation from the legal fraternity, sparked serious concerns over the safety of judicial personnel and court staff. 

Responding to the outrage, the Gujarat Judicial Service Association (GJSA) submitted a detailed representation to the state Home Department, urging immediate steps to ensure foolproof security for the judiciary.

Following the appeal, the Director General of Police (Law and Order) issued a circular to all Police Commissioners and District Superintendents of Police, instructing them to strengthen security arrangements at the residences and workplaces of judges and judicial officers.

The move has been welcomed by members of the judiciary, who described it as a reassuring step towards safeguarding judicial independence and integrity.

In a letter to the Gujarat Home Minister and the DGP, GJSA president S G Dodia condemned the shoe-throwing incident targeting the Additional Principal Judge of the Bhadra Sessions Court, calling it “a direct attack on the dignity, independence, and security of the judiciary”.

“Courts must function free from fear, intimidation, and violence,” Dodia wrote. “Any threat or assault on judges, court premises, or judicial infrastructure weakens the very foundation of democracy and justice.”

The association’s letter also cited relevant Supreme Court judgments emphasising the need to protect judicial officers and maintain the rule of law. It urged the government and police to deploy armed security at all judicial residences and court complexes.

According to the GJSA’s recommendations:

• District and Sessions Judges should be provided armed guards, including one head constable and four constables.
• Additional District and Sessions Judges and Judicial Magistrates First Class should be assigned two gunmen each.
• All other judicial officers should receive security cover at their residences, with at least two police constables or home guards posted on duty.

Acting on these suggestions, the DGP’s office has instructed police units across the state to immediately implement necessary security measures. Copies of the directive have also been sent to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department), the DGP (CID Crime and Intelligence), and all range officers.

Legal circles have hailed the decision as a timely and essential step to protect members of the judiciary and maintain public confidence in the justice system.