Court Record Tampering: Gujarat High Court Surprised Over Lack Of CCTV Cameras In Registry

The Gujarat High Court has expressed astonishment over the absence of a comprehensive CCTV camera system in its Registry department, raising concerns over security and transparency. Although some parts of the department have CCTV cameras installed, the Court noted the absence of a full-fledged system.In response to this revelation, the Court has directed the Registry to take appropriate measures following due procedure, including obtaining approvals from relevant authorities, such as the state government and the concerned Committees of the Court. The Court also suggested that the Registry could seek assistance from the Secretary of the Legal Department to expedite the process.The development comes in connection with the case alleging corruption by a lawyer appointed as a Court Commissioner in Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) proceedings. The Court had previously expressed its displeasure over tampering with its records in a case related to alleged corruption within the Debt Recovery Tribunal in Ahmedabad.Justice Sandeep N Bhatt has now clarified that its observations were not personal remarks against any officer but only a record of what transpired. It therefore refused DRT Presiding Officer's request to expunge the remarks. It added, “The Registry shall also take care that no innocent person is punished and persons who actually played some mischief should not be spared, as such incident is also alarming and should be a cause of concern for the legal fraternity as well as the Judiciary.”“It is expected that not only in the High Court but in every Court in the State whether it is a Court of Judicial Magistrate or Sessions Court or High Court or any Tribunal functioning in the State, it should be functioning in accordance with law and also the record of such Court/Tribunal cannot be tampered by anybody in any manner, otherwise, public at large will lose faith in the functioning of the judiciary.” Advocate Saurabh Mehta, on behalf of the Bar Council of Gujarat informed the Court that the Bar Council has taken cognizance of the mischief played with the record of the Registry at the relevant point of time i.e. between 9.10.2023 to 25.10.2023. The High Court directed both the Registry and the Bar Council to cooperate with each other during further inquiries into the matter.The matter is scheduled for further consideration on December 7, by which time the Court expects the Registry to submit a final report with a proper conclusion.Appearance: Harsh V Gajjar(7828) For The Applicant(S) No. 1 For The Respondent(S) No. 2 Public Prosecutor For The Respondent(S) No. 1Case Title: Dharmesh Jivanlal Gurjar Versus State Of GujaratCase No.: R/Special Criminal Application (Quashing) No. 996 Of 2020Click Here To Read / Download Order

Court Record Tampering: Gujarat High Court Surprised Over Lack Of CCTV Cameras In Registry

Bhavya Singh

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