Gujarat HC orders to install CCTVs in registry by Jan 2024
Despite a proposal for the installation of CCTV cameras that was ratified in Nov 8, no considerable steps were taken
Updated: Dec 16th, 2023
After months of an incident involving an advocate allegedly involved in malpractice, the Gujarat High Court on Dec 13 ordered the installation of CCTV (Close Circuit Television Cameras) at the high court premises before Jan 15, 2024.
Last month, the Bar Council of Gujarat suspended advocate Dharmesh Gurjar, who allegedly tampered with the records of the high court to prevent a case against him from being listed.
Despite a proposal for the installation of CCTV cameras that was ratified by the chief justice and Justice Bhatt, no considerable steps were taken.
“This is very shocking that though this Court passed an earlier order on Nov 8 to do needful for the installation of CCTV cameras, from the report of the Registrar, it transpires that no further progress is made in this direction even after such an incident has taken place,” said Justice Sandeep N Bhatt in his oral order.
Justice Bhatt directed the Registrar General to take the help of the Registrar (SCMS and ICT), the Registrar (Vigilance), and the Registrar (Judicial) to do the needful and install CCTV cameras in ‘each and every corner’ of the registry, strategically covering every table.
The order also stated that installation shall be implemented ‘not later than Jan 15, 2024’.
What was the case of advocate Dharmesh Gurjar?
Advocate Dharmesh Gurjar was accused of accepting ₹1 lakh bribe when he was appointed as the court commissioner by the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in a case in 2019.
After the high court’s order in November 2023, the Bar Council of Gujarat suspended Gurjar for six months.
