The murder trial of BSP leader Armstrong has taken a shocking turn, revealing dangerous security lapses inside the Madras High Court campus. Accusations that the accused were able to exchange country bombs within the court premises have not only shaken the legal community but also sparked an urgent call for better security measures.
This incident sheds light on a larger issue—are courts in India truly secure spaces? The current system, where the CISF guards the High Court building while the Tamil Nadu police manage the surrounding premises, shows a lack of coordination that may leave room for such breaches. In response, the court has ordered stronger safety protocols, including baggage scanners, frisking, and even undercover officers to monitor suspicious activities.
Courtrooms are meant to be places of safety and justice. But shocking incidents of violence in Tamil Nadu's courts have raised serious security concerns. The Armstrong murder case in Chennai and the revenge killing outside the Tirunelveli district court have shown how dangerous our judicial spaces can become when security fails. These violent acts make us question: Are courts safe for everyone?
The Gruesome Revenge Killing in Tirunelveli Court
Months after the Armstrong case, another shocking incident occurred in December 2024. A man named S. Mayandi, accused of murder was brutally hacked to death on the Tirunelveli district court premises. The killers disfigured his face before running away, leaving people and advocates horrified.
This happened during daylight hours, in a crowded court area where police were already present. Witnesses protested, angry at the lack of security measures to prevent such an attack. This incident underlined how unsafe courts have become pushing people to demand stricter precautions.
Why These Failures Keep Happening
- Shared Responsibilities: At the Madras High Court, security is shared between the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) and the Tamil Nadu Police. Poor coordination often leads to dangerous gaps.
- Weak Screening: Many courts don’t have proper screening facilities like to check bags, scanning people for weapons, or using metal detectors, allowing dangerous items to enter court buildings.
- Poor Surveillance: Many blind spots in court premises don’t have CCTV cameras, making it easy for criminals to act in the court buildings.
How Tamil Nadu Can Secure Its Courts
To avoid tragedies like these, Tamil Nadu needs to improve court security immediately. Here are some steps that could make a real difference:
- Strict Entry Rules: Introduce ID checks, passes, or even biometric entry for anyone entering court premises.
- Thorough Screening: Use baggage scanners, frisking, and metal detectors at every entrance, just like in airports.
- Better Surveillance: Install high-quality CCTV cameras in key court areas, monitored in real-time by trained personnel.
- More Police Presence: Deploy uniformed and undercover officers across court premises for extra protection.
- Regular Drills: Train security teams to handle emergencies like weapons smuggling or violent attacks effectively.
How These Changes Affect People
Improving security in courts will mean some inconvenience for people. Lawyers, litigants, and visitors might have to arrive earlier to go through checks. However, this small hassle is necessary to avoid major tragedies.
At the same time, authorities need to carry out these changes in a friendly and respectful way so they don’t disrupt court proceedings or annoy visitors. Lawyers and bar associations must also cooperate with the security steps, remembering that safety is worth the effort.
Lessons from Tamil Nadu’s Cases
The murders of Armstrong and Mayandi are not just crimes; they are wake-up calls. They show us that even places of justice can face threats if we don’t treat them as high-security zones. Courts should be safe spaces—not battlegrounds.
Tamil Nadu now has the chance to lead by example and secure its courts with modern safety measures. If we make these changes today, we can rebuild trust and ensure that justice is served without fear for anyone stepping inside a courtroom.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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Ashwini Devi is a versatile content writer with expertise in SEO, creative, and professional writing across niches like technology, health, and travel. With a strong background in academic writing and brand development, Ashwini excels in crafting impactful content, managing social media, and creating effective strategies to boost engagement and growth.
