Calcutta High Court orders metal detectors at district courts

Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Ravindra Vithalrao Ghuge has directed district judges across West Bengal to install metal detectors at court entrances. The move aims to screen advocates, staff, and visitors to enhance security following recent attacks on lawyers at various judicial premises and the residence of senior advocate Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya.

The Chief Justice has requested that the West Bengal Bar Council and various lawyers' organizations discuss the implementation of these security measures and provide a written response to his office.

In addition to security upgrades, the court is addressing discipline within judicial premises. Chief Justice Ghuge has proposed a ban on smoking and the consumption of items such as betel leaves, pan masala, and gutkha within court grounds. While some advocates have requested designated smoking areas, the court has emphasized the need for improved conduct and order.