Lok Sabha security breach: Decoding the Parliament's multilayered security

“The incident that happened today is a topic of concern for all of us and is serious as well... A high-level investigation is being done and accordingly, action will be taken. A comprehensive review will be done regarding the security in the House... The House is adjourned till 11:00 am tomorrow (Thursday),” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said.

The Parliament is one of the most secure places in the country. However, Wednesday's incident has raised multiple questions over the security process at the new Parliament.

The additional Secretary (Security) of the Lok Sabha Secretariat is overall in charge of the entire Parliament Security, while the Director (Security) of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat exercises operational control, according to the Parliament security manual.

Following the 2001 attack, when five terrorists entered the Parliament premises and opened fire, leading to the deaths of nine security personnel, the security process at the old Parliament building was overhauled.

The Parliament Security Service looks after the set-up in the Parliament House complex. Also, security agencies like the Delhi Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Special Protection Group (SPG) and the National Security Guard (NSG) are responsible for the safety of MPs at Parliament.

To enter the Parliament premises, there is a three-level security check for all visitors -- first at the entry gate of the premises, second one at the building's entry gate and people have to go through the same process at the corridor that leads to visitor’s gallery.

The new Parliament building has six entrances, with each of them representing a distinct role.

Moreover, the security officials on the premises cross-check the IDs to recognise the staff, including gardeners and sweepers. Everyone is required to carry identity cards daily and are cleared by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which periodically repeats the security checks.

The process of issuing Gallery passes inside the Parliamentary complex is strictly regulated under controlled protocols. Applications can only be submitted on paper or through the Digital Sansad website by the Members of Parliament.

Also, strict measures are in place during sessions to prevent people from obtaining passes. It is worth noting that each pass has a unique ID.