09 October 2004	Saturday	23 Shaban 1425

LAHORE, Oct 8: Security inside the Lahore High Court has been further tightened with the installation of scanners at almost all entry points and more closed-circuit cameras.

The LHC administration has already prohibited carrying of cameras, briefcases and cellular phones inside courtrooms and offices. Steel gates have already been raised on the entry of verandas where courtrooms are located.

Security and police officials on duty, particularly posted at main and small entry and exit points, frisk litigants and search their belongings, often cause embarrassment and harassment for them. Even lawyers are not spared despite introduction.

The carrying of cell phones inside courtrooms was the only restriction until a week ago. But lawyers and litigants were allowed to take phones inside courtrooms if they were switched off.

The fencing of the outer walls of the building a couple of months ago marked the beginning of the introduction of security arrangements. The new security arrangements have added to the litigants problems as they are not allowed to carry inside the building even files and other documents if they are placed in a shopping bag, a briefcase and even wrapped in cloth.

One such incident the other day created quite a problem when the security staff at the main gate tried to prevent a litigant from taking his food wrapped in a plastic bag. The police and security staff stopping people carrying bags anywhere inside the building, is now a common scene.