P&H HC Directs Restoration of Z+ Security for Navjot Singh Sidhu, Citing Unattended Apprehensions
In a significant development, the High Court of Punjab and Haryana has directed the restoration of Z+ security for prominent political figure Navjot Singh Sidhu. The court issued a writ petition, highlighting that the security cover had been reduced to Y+ without any prior notice to the petitioner.
Navjot Singh Sidhu, a former minister and member of the All India Congress Committee, had been granted Z+ security based on his political status and perceived threat. However, upon completing a one-year sentence in a road rage case, his security cover was downgraded. The court noted that there had been no fresh assessment of his threat perception and ordered the authorities to take corrective measures, including the provision of suitable security.
Emphasizing the dynamic nature of security issues, the court highlighted the need for periodic evaluation by the competent authority. It further underlined that downgrading security could potentially encourage anti-social elements to take drastic actions. The court directed the competent authority to consider the petitioner’s concerns, mentioned in the writ petition, and to take appropriate action based on the threat perception disclosed.
This ruling comes after a detailed threat perception report was submitted by the Special Director General of Police, Internal Security, Punjab, and a report from the Central Agency stating the absence of specific threats against the petitioner at present. The court emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality of the threat perception report due to potential repercussions and ramifications.
The decision, delivered by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Raj Mohan Singh, aligns with a previous order in a related case. The court allowed the petitioner to provide additional inputs to support their claims, and the competent authority has been given one month to act upon the court’s directives.
Date of Decision: 01.06.2023
Navjot Singh Sidhu vs State of Punjab and others
