Bombay HC approves new norms for those seeking cop cover

Mumbai: While accepting the submissions of the state that police protection was not a privilege and could not extended to anyone indefinitely, the Bombay high court while disposing off a petition directed the state to ensure that a proper scheme under the Police Protection policy was made and implemented within a month’s time. The new measures are part of a circular issued by the state that enumerate various measures put in place for those seeking police protection. The circular also includes regular review of the protection provided by a committee and exemption from paying charges to those who cannot afford to pay it.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dr Manjula Chellur and Justice M.S. Sonak was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Sunny Punnamiya regarding the non-payment of dues by politicians and celebrities for the police protection they were provided. The petitioner had prayed for directions to recover the dues as well as ensure that a proper procedure was put in place for providing police protection.  

On Thursday, advocate general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni while elaborating on the various rules included in the new circular of the Police Protection policy said that a committee under the director general of police would assess whether persons provided protection were in need of it every six months.

He further said the committee would also review applications seeking protection and the same would no more treated as a privilege for those who could afford to pay the charges. He added that the charges would also be computed on a new formula wherein the salary of the police personnel would also be taken into consideration.

Mr Kumbhakoni also informed the court that private persons with a monthly income of less than `50,000 would be exempted from paying the charges.