PIL seeks citizens' group to end terror

A PIL has been filed in the Delhi high court, seeking constitution of an eminent citizens' committee to assist the government in curbing terrorist attacks like the one witnessed on September 7 outside the Delhi high court. Harish V Nair reports.

A PIL has been filed in the Delhi high court, seeking constitution of an eminent citizens' committee to assist the government in curbing terrorist attacks like the one witnessed on September 7 outside the Delhi high court.

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Petitioners Society of Indian Law Firms said in the PIL: "Right to life includes right to live with dignity and that right will be negated if citizens of Delhi live under constant fear of violence and terrorism."

The PIL has sought composition of a citizen coordination committee comprising retired eminent people from the judiciary, armed forces and the police to advise the government on urgent steps required to put an end to terrorism.

The PIL said that the committee would function under the supervision of the court."Centre and Delhi government has failed in providing security to life and property of the citizens… there are several lapses in the existing system and counter-terrorism measures," it pointed out.

A Bench of Justice RS Endlaw referred the petition to a two-judge bench after centre's counsel Jatan Singh submitted that the plea had the "overtones of a PIL".