City consumer courts lack police protection

Hyderabad: Consumer commissions in the city are functioning without essential police protection, leaving judicial officers vulnerable and court proceedings at risk. Sources within these commissions have flagged the glaring absence of security measures in the court premises, despite repeated requests to authorities."We're essentially operating in a vulnerable environment," said a senior official from the state consumer commission, speaking on condition of anonymity. "There have been instances where agitated parties caused disturbances, and we had no immediate security personnel to intervene."The lack of police presence has also led to serious concerns about convicted individuals with pending arrest warrants entering court premises unchecked. "It's deeply troubling that someone with an arrest warrant can simply walk in without verification or consequences," said a commission member from a consumer court.Multiple requests for security deployment were made to relevant authorities over the past year, but the situation remains unchanged, sources in the court said.Judicial officers warn that the absence of security is particularly concerning given the nature of cases they handle. "We deal with significant financial disputes, and without proper security, both staff and the public are at risk," said an official from a district consumer commission.Police authorities stated that the Telangana special police is responsible for securing such institutions and assured that any gaps in protection would be addressed.