The recent hit and run case at Jharkhand in which the Dhanbad Additional District and Sessions Judge Uttam Anand was crushed to death while on his morning walk was very outrageous and should be thoroughly investigated from all angles given that the departed Judge was hearing important cases against the mafia in Dhanbad. This chilling case should ring alarm bells and act as an urgent eye opener on the lack of proper facilities and security cover for Judges.
In Goa, while politicians have a fleet of Government vehicles to ferry them and their families around with more than enough security, we sadly have some lower court judges precariously traveling by public transport and even on a two wheeler.
This is an unacceptable situation putting the lives and the wellbeing of our Judges in jeopardy especially in view of the alarming increase in crime that our once very peaceful State is now witnessing.
It is a travesty of justice that the judiciary despite being one of the three pillars of our democracy does not enjoy the same privileges as the other two pillars, namely the Legislature and the Executive.
Steps must be taken to ensure that every Judge be given a designated official vehicle with a Personal security officer at all times. This is the least that is expected from the Government to ensure that every Judge is safe and secure while we never witness a repeat of the Dhanbad tragedy in Goa.
This would also give the Judges and their families the much needed peace of mind enabling the Judges to discharge their duties fearlessly at the Temples of Justice.
