Saturday, 19 AUGUST 2023 | PNS | NAINITAL
Hearing on a public interest litigation challenging the Y-plus security provided to independent MLA of Khanpur, Umesh Sharma, the Uttarakhand High Court has directed the State government to clarify the position regarding the order issued in the past within two weeks. The division bench of chief justice Vipin Sanghi and justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari issued this direction. In its order in the past, the court had stated that the work of the police is to protect the public. Those who face a specific threat should be provided security only after an investigation by the police.Haridwar resident Bhagat Singh had filed the PIL in the High Court stating that MLAs are provided one personnel for security. In case any MLA is facing a threat additional security personnel are provided on the basis of the MLA’s application for the same. The Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) presents its report to the Police department before provision of security cover to any MLA. Citing Sharma’s example, the petitioner has contended that the due procedure was not followed while granting security cover to the MLA and that he was granted Y-plus security solely on the basis of his application. The petition further states that the MLA also has his personal escort. The petitioner has further claimed that the LIU in its report has stated that the Khanpur MLA does not face any threat to his life. Considering this, the Y-plus security granted to the Khanpur MLA should be withdrawn, the petitioner has contended. The petitioner has further stated that the task of the police is to provide protection to the public and not provide security to persons who are exploiting it to create a certain type of atmosphere in the public.
