The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has called for a security audit of its CCTV systems after a shocking incident in which a couple seeking protection was forcibly taken away from the court premises.
The event unfolded on March 11 when a young woman and a man, who had married against her family’s wishes, approached the court for protection. However, they were taken away by individuals in civilian clothing, including the woman’s brother, raising serious concerns about security lapses.
In response, the court summoned top police officials from Srinagar and emphasized the need to prevent such breaches in the future. It also ordered an audit of CCTV installations, highlighting deficiencies in surveillance coverage.
“The incident exposes gaps in security, including inadequate CCTV coverage, which must be addressed to ensure complete surveillance of the court premises,” the court stated, instructing the Registrar Judicial to assess and report on the matter.
Following the incident, senior police officials assured the court that such breaches would not happen again. Meanwhile, due to her age, the woman was temporarily placed in a Child Welfare Committee shelter, with only her parents permitted to visit.
Additionally, the court ordered a pause on legal proceedings against the man and granted him protection from arrest. The case is set for its next hearing on March 19.