It was the month of January 1994, orders from Government of Delhi disembarked at Police Head Quarters, posting me as the first Chief of newly created unit of Supreme Court Security. The relations between Judiciary and Police were at its nadir. In such circumstances a placement in Supreme Court of India , appeared no less than being directly catapulted into a lion’s frightening liar.
The security unit had been specially created by the orders of Supreme Court itself. Apex court while entertaining a Public Interest litigation, filed by an advocate, raised serious questions about vulnerability of the court’s security. Without losing much time or beating about the bush, just after a couple of hearings, ordered for setting up of this specialized unit.
These hurried sequence of events took place during the last quarter of 1993. It was unimaginable that things could move at such a fast pace within Government of India, keeping in view the prevailing sequential track record. This wonder could only take place with the imposition of massive juggernaut momentum of potential authority of Supreme Court of India.
Being choice-less resigning to inevitability of fate, took up the challenging appointment immediately. At that moment of time felt as though had been para-dropped into middle of great dry and desolate Sahara desert, brimming with unending hostile environment.
On deliberations with Chief Justice of India, Registrar General and other high officials, triggered a low sinking feeling in my mind, it appeared as though I was simply a unwelcome entity. Shuttling between Police Head Quarters and Supreme Court of India consumed most of my time, thank God these both institutes were within a few hundred meters away from each other.
Lot of administrative issues had to be smoothly ironed out. Police commissioner MB Kaushal assured me of his full outright cooperation. While extremely soft spoken gentleman of an officer, Special Commissioner VN Singh showered an extensively exhaustive sermonizing. Routinely given to a new bride who is about to depart to her husband’s household upon completion of her extensively exhaustive rituals of marriage. Advising me to extremely careful and cautious in new work environment, be courteous and respectful towards all elders, meaning judges and lawyers. Never retaliate, remaining humble even if provoked by any unsavory comments, specially when uttered by an advocate.
To my great luck conceding to my request, Police Head Quarters posted one Inspector Raj Singh for my assistance. He not only proved to be an added asset as my Man Friday, but turned out to be a multidimensional trouble shooter. Besides remaining a highly motivating factor in dull and drab run of the mill atmosphere.
The court officials point blankly refused to allocate office space, fearing adverse repercussions from the potentially powerful lawyer fraternity. Moving from pillar to post seeking respite, but no one came forward to bail me out such unpleasant situation. The lawyer brotherhood were generally averse to posting of policemen at the apex court. They viewed it as serious curtailment of their freedom, liberty and unchecked movement within the sacrosanct court premises. To them the sight of policemen appeared in form of herd of horned bulls, ready to charge at the specially attired matadors, sporting immaculate black outfits.
Commissioner of Police even suggested to setup my office at Tilak Marg Police Station. This proposal was unacceptable to me, since it would not have served any useful purpose. He refused to take cudgels on my behalf with the honorable Chief Justice of India, MNR Venkakatachaliah. This cliff hanging situation proved as a tolerance test of my unperturbed patience.
Another issue was regarding administrative attachment of supreme court security unit. Presently it was placed under already overburdened burgeoning Security Unit of Delhi Police, who were reluctant to take up the additional burden of Supreme Court security on their head.
Attachment with New Delhi District appeared to be the most plausible answer. This was most suitable practically and being operationally convenient, since the requirement of additional force could be easily met to deal with all unforeseen eventualities. Commissioner was kind enough to issue a immediate administrative order in this regard, taking up the issue with Ministry of Home Affairs.
The initial meeting with Chief Justice ended in a fiasco since it failed to provide immediate relief, however he assured that he would apprise the concerned for full functioning this unit. Curtly I informed him that in case a suitable foothold was not permitted, shortly will be constrained to pitch an EPIP (European privates Indian pattern) tent, in Supreme Court lawns.
After a few days things began to happen, the concerned officials started moving in desirable direction. With our rigorous concerted efforts we were able to build strong inroads into the hearts of office bearers of not only of judiciary, but that of advocates as well. Slowly and steadily, step by step an atmosphere of mutual trust was established with apex court and esteemed lawyers associations. Strong enduring rapport was cemented with the Supreme Court judges as well. The considerate court even used to provide us in advance the trending movement of oncoming judgement, which could have serious law and order ramifications. This was a forewarning to us for making adequate preparations both inside and outside court premises by requisitioning additional police force.
My office soon became a hub of congregation of senior officials arriving for court appearances from various parts of the country. The court however made it quite clear that top officers were welcome as respondents, but not as revelers coming for enjoying some sort of enjoyable picnic.
Besides Chief Justice, Justices, AM Ahmadi, Kuldeep Singh, JS Verma, BN Kripal and others proved quite helpful. Within a span of few months, the Supreme Court Security started operating as full fledged unit. The espousing of a sincere approach towards our assigned work and adoption of amicable attitude of security personnel produced desired results.
This amply demonstrated that once we are determined in our mission, we can resolve even the most intricately entangled knotty issues in a highly favorable manner.
(Author of this write up is retired Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police and first Incharge of Supreme Court’s Security Wing)
