CCTV cameras still to be installed

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Chief minister Sheila Dikshit and children take a pledge to not use tobacco during the Indian Cancer Society Annual Cancer Aware

Two months after 15 people were killed and over 70 injured in the blast outside Delhi high court, CCTV cameras have still not been installed even as security has been stepped up.
A day after the September 7 blast, in a high-level meeting, HC judges, senior lawyers, police and government officials had decided that apart from the few cameras already functional, 49 CCTV cameras would be installed within the next three weeks.
“The process to set up the CCTV cameras is on. The underground cabling work has started,” Additional Solicitor General and Delhi HC Bar Association president A.S. Chandhiok told this newspaper. He said a review of the installation work will be carried out later this month.
When contacted, special commissioner of police (security) Vimla Mehra did not provide a definite answer on the delay.
The demand for CCTV cameras was raised after a low-intensity bomb exploded near a car parked outside the HC on May 25. But cameras had not been installed at the time of the September 7 blast.
“There was fear and anger among people, especially lawyers, after the blast because of deficient security,” said an advocate. “No lessons were learnt after May 25,” she said.
“However, the atmosphere is ‘relaxed’ now. People don’t feel threatened due to hiked security in and around the court,” she said.
“The court has been turned into a fortress. There is a three-tier security set up in place. People are frisked thrice, their bags checked in X-ray machines. Even lawyers are not spared. Initially, advocates objected to being frisked at their own work place, but now everyone cooperates as no chance can be taken,” said Nikhil Chandra, an advocate.
However, more needs to be done for the benefit of the public visiting the court, he said.
Sarita, a police constable guarding the entry pass office opposite gate no. 7 said people often complain because of long queues and elaborate security checks.
“Those who come regularly get frustrated on repeated frisking and waiting. Issuing entry pass has been made strict, takes time.”
Litigants complain about lack of parking facility outside the high court. “After the blast, vehicles cannot be parked anywhere near the high court. Visitors have to park near India Gate and walk almost a kilometre,” said Ajay Anand, a petitioner.
Mr Chandhiok said the under-construction multi-storey underground parking, with a capacity for 1,600 cars, would be ready “soon” and there is a proposal to set up two more centres for issuing entry pass instead of just one at present.