Delhi High Court criticizes Centre and Delhi Police over PSO provisions for judicial officers

The matter will be heard next on May 12, 2026, with the court seeking further proposals from authorities regarding security provisions for judicial officers.

The Delhi High Court, while hearing a petition filed by the Judicial Service Association of Delhi, expressed strong displeasure at the Centre and Delhi Police’s stance that PSOs should be provided to judicial officers only on a case-by-case basis, warning that such apathy could undermine judicial independence. The bench urged the authorities to come up with good suggestions and permitted another meeting; it did not take the Centre’s affidavit on record and asked for a better one. The matter was adjourned to May 12 for the next hearing.

A meeting was held pursuant to the High Court's March 24, 2026 order to discuss security provisions for judicial officers. The counsel noted that key aspects, including security provisions in other states, were not considered, and that the principal secretary, department of law, justice and legislative affairs, was not invited to the meeting; the court was urged to grant time to convene another meeting.

The Delhi High Court’s March 24, 2026 order is referenced in relation to security for judicial officers, and it led to subsequent actions including a meeting that would take place on April 13 to discuss security provisions.