The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has dismissed Samajwadi Party MLC Swami Prasad Maurya’s plea for ‘Y’ or ‘Z’-category security cover from the Uttar Pradesh government.
The court, however, allowed Maurya to challenge the committee report based on which his security was reduced before a competent forum.
Maurya had filed a writ petition before the court seeking directions to the state government to provide him with ‘Y’ or ‘Z‘-category security cover, claiming that he faced a serious threat to his life due to his political activities.
The court heard the arguments of the parties and perused the relevant documents, including the committee report, before dismissing Maurya’s plea. The court observed that there was no material on record to suggest that Maurya faced any imminent threat to his life that warranted the grant of ‘Y’ or ‘Z’-category security cover.
The court allowed Maurya to challenge the committee report that led to his reduced security before an appropriate forum. This would give him an opportunity to contest the report and present his case before an appropriate authority.
The court’s decision is significant as it highlights the need for a balanced and rational approach to the grant of security cover to public figures. While it is essential to provide adequate security cover to those who face a genuine threat to their lives, it is equally important to ensure that security cover is not misused for political or personal gain.
In recent years, there have been instances of public figures being provided with security cover even when there is no credible threat to their lives. This has led to a waste of public resources and created an impression of VIP culture.
The decision of the Allahabad High Court to dismiss Maurya’s plea for security cover underscores the need for a rational and objective approach to the grant of security cover. The state government should ensure that security cover is provided only to those who face a genuine threat to their lives and that the decision to grant security cover is based on a careful assessment of the threat perception.
The decision of the court is also significant as it upholds the right of public figures to question the decision of the state government on the grant of security cover. This would ensure that public figures are not left at the mercy of the state government and have a recourse to challenge the decision of the government.
The decision of the Allahabad High Court to dismiss Maurya’s plea for security cover is a welcome move that underscores the need for a rational and objective approach to the grant of security cover. The state government should ensure that security cover is provided only to those who face a genuine threat to their lives and that the decision to grant security cover is based on a careful assessment of the threat perception. At the same time, public figures should have the right to question the decision of the state government on the grant of security cover and present their case before a competent forum.
Supreme Court acquits Anwar after 28-year legal battle
One Reply to “High Court dismisses Swami Prasad Maurya plea for security cover”