Kochi: The state government on Thursday submitted before Kerala High Court that there existed a threat perception to the life of the judges of High Court, NIA judge and other trial court judges in Kerala. J. Christopher Charles Raj, SP (security), also submitted that police were providing them round-the-clock security.
At present, 127 police personnel are permanently detailed for providing security to 72 judges, members of tribunal and commissions and retired judges. Besides, security is also provided to the members of judiciary after assessing the local threat perceptions.
The submission was made in response to a plea filed by advocate Basil Attipetty who sought police protection for the judges. Four police personnel are providing security for Justice Kemal Pasha of the High Court. Justice A.V. Ramakrishna Pillai has protection of three cops.
Upa Lok Ayukta Justice G. Sasidharan and retired NIA judge S. Vijayakumar still face threats from certain corners. Justice Sasidharan faces threat in connection with the verdict in the case related to the appointment of assistants in Kerala University.
Justice Vijayakumar had pronounced judgments in various cases, including murders of Chekannur Moulavi, Kasargod Jabbar and Naxal Varghese. Many of the accused have links with anti-national agencies and terrorist agencies.
The government had provided ‘Y’ category security and police escort during their official journeys. Even after Vijayakumar retired in September this year, police are providing him security.
