The formation of a national level security force for the protection of judges is not practical and advisable

(PTI) New delhi date. 13

The formation of a national security force like the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to protect judges across the country is not practical and advisable, the Center told the Supreme Court today.

The apex court had expressed displeasure over non-filing of reply by states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Jharkhand during the hearing of a petition seeking protection of judges and lawyers across the country following the killing of a judge in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.

A bench of Chief Justice NV Raman, Justice Suryakant and Justice Aniruddha Bose gave the states a week to file their reply. In which the states have to be informed about the steps taken for the protection of judges.

The apex court further said that if the reply was not filed by the states within the stipulated time, the chief secretary would be summoned and a fine of Rs one lakh each would be imposed.

The bench also allowed the Bar Council of India to be a party in the case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Government of India during the hearing, said the safety of judges was a serious issue.

During the hearing, the bench questioned whether the central government was willing to form a force like CISF and Railway Safety Board for the protection of judges. In his reply, Mehta said it was not advisable and practical to set up a security force like CISF to protect judges across the country.

The bench had called a meeting of all the states to resolve the issue. In his reply, Mehta said a meeting of state police chiefs could be convened on the issue.