The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has informed judges and judicial officers about the contents of an anonymous petition alleging the misuse of police personnel assigned to their security, as well as instances of harassment.
The petition, which was forwarded to the JSC by the Presidential Secretariat with a directive to notify judges and judicial officers, claims that some judicial personnel are exploiting police officers assigned for their protection. Following the review of the petition, the JSC issued a letter titled ‘Judges’ Security’, addressing these allegations.
The JSC emphasized in its notice that the misuse of public personnel had been curbed since the current government assumed office. It also stated that steps have been taken to ensure police officers are dedicated to their primary duty of serving the public.
The notice highlighted several allegations, which suggest that some judges are using their assigned security officers for personal errands. These include tasks such as helping procure goods at discounted rates, assisting in returning home after social events where alcohol was consumed, and carrying out various other private tasks at their residences.
Furthermore, the notice accused some judges of misusing police personnel assigned to court premises for non-official purposes, such as issuing summons and warrants, or registering cases—duties meant to be managed by clerical and administrative staff.
The issue of police motorcycle escorts for judges also came under scrutiny. The notice questioned the necessity of such services, pointing out that judges should plan their schedules better to ensure punctuality, particularly at a time when neither the President nor the Prime Minister uses escort vehicles.
Another allegation involves judges stationed in outstations who reportedly use police officers to guard their private residences even in their absence. Instances were cited where judges, lacking direct police security, summoned area OICs and other senior police officers, allegedly berating them for not providing personnel.
The JSC noted that the assignment of police security to judges was initially implemented following the tragic assassination of Judge Sarath Ambepitiya. However, it stressed that misusing such security resources must be addressed and reassessed.
The anonymous petition also contains allegations against certain officials from the Attorney General’s Department, although details on these claims remain unspecified.
