1. It was on 30th July 2021 when the Hon’ble Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the issue pertaining to safety and security of the judicial officers and the legal fraternity and issued a direction in “Re.: Safeguarding Courts and Protecting Judges (Death of Additional Sessions Judge, Dhanbad)” as under:-

                   “It has been brought to the notice of this Court that similar incidents are happening across the country. Taking into consideration the duty and obligation of the State to create an environment and accord full protection to judicial officers as well as the legal fraternity so that they can perform their duties fearlessly, we deem it appropriate to take up this matter suo motu. As there is an urgent need for wider consideration and consequential detailed explanation(s) by all concerned, we will consider the desirability of issuing notice to all other States and Union Territories on the next date of hearing.”

2. We are informed that a Suo Motu Petition was registered at the Aurangabad Bench and an order was passed on 5th February 2026.

3. On our request, the learned Advocate General has appeared and assured the Court that he shall be apprising the Court about the steps taken by the Police Department for ensuring security of the Court premises and safety of the Judges.

4. We also require the Director General of Police to furnish a copy of the security audit conducted, if any, of the High Court and the buildings where the Judges of the Bombay High Court are residing including the Benches at Goa, Aurangabad, Nagpur and Circuit Bench at Kolhapur and the trial Courts in all the districts.

5. List the matter on 17th February 2026.