Bombay HC raps government over VIP security dues

Mumbai: Expressing displeasure with the state government on the issue of police protection provided to VIPs and private people and recovery of dues from them, the Bombay high court warned it will pass a “detailed order” if the government fails to take a decision over the issue.

The court on November 2 said that the state is only holding meetings but does not take any action against such people.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Manjula Chellur was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Sunny Punamiya, seeking direction to the state police to recover dues from VIPs, including politicians and Bollywood personalities, who have been provided security cover but have not paid till date. Among those who need to pay the state includes former minister of state (home) and Congress leader Kripashankar Singh, who needs to pay `58 lakh.     

Two months ago the court had directed the government to review each and every case in which police protection has been given, to see if security was still required for that person.

When the petition came up for hearing last week the state’s lawyer informed the court that meetings were held by the officials concerned but a decision is yet to be taken and hence, sought adjournment.

Irked by this, the court said, “Only meetings...meetings...meetings...no action. A committee set up by the government has given suggestions in the past on the issue. Why can’t the government take some decision based on them? Or else I will pass a detailed order.”

The court then posted the petition for hearing on November 16.

Abhinandan Vagyani, chief government reader, said that the high court asked the state government not to reveal the total outstanding amount or the names of the individuals who owe money to the government for security expenses.

During the earlier hearing in September, the high court had said policemen should not become private guards. The court had then said that the state police is not meant to be used in this manner. It said protection must be given in rarest of rare cases, and not as a matter of giving for the sake of it.

Chief Justice Chellur had asked why should the public exchequer’s money be wasted on people who do not deserve protection. She had also said that people who can afford, must pay.

The court had directed the state to streamline the process to ensure that only those who deserve police protection should be provided it.

VIP security dues

The PIL, when it was filed around two years ago, claimed that about 1,000 personnel from the state police were deployed for providing protection to private individuals. The plea also claimed that around 600 policemen in Mumbai were deployed for protection duty. The court had earlier said, after perusing details given by the state government, 795 individuals in the state, 248 in Mumbai, were given police protection.  Among those who need to pay the state are former minister of state (home) and Congress leader Kripashankar Singh, who needs to pay `58 lakh.