The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Central government to immediately provide an additional personal security officer (PSO) to independent Bihar MP Pappu Yadav, amid his concerns over repeated threats and attacks.
Justice Manoj Jain said the interim security measure would remain in force until the government decides Yadav’s representation seeking enhanced security.
The Court observed that Yadav’s concerns required serious consideration, particularly as he is a sitting Member of Parliament and an incident had already taken place despite existing security arrangements.
Yadav, who currently has ‘Y+’ security cover in Bihar, had approached the High Court seeking a fresh and comprehensive threat assessment and interim security protection across India.
According to his plea, he has received repeated death threats since he performed a skit outside Parliament concerning alleged irregularities in donations to the Ram Mandir. The petition alleged that on August 1, threats were issued against him, including a purported bounty of Rs 51 lakh for his beheading.
The plea further claimed that a mob gathered outside the residence of his wife, who is also a sitting MP, and allegedly threatened to kill him.
Yadav submitted a complaint to the Delhi Police on August 2 along with electronic evidence of the alleged threats. Later that day, while addressing a press conference at his Delhi residence, a shoe was allegedly thrown at him and an attempt was made to attack him with a knife.
Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for Yadav, submitted that his client had faced continuous threats and attacks and that public calls had been made for his killing.
Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit told the Court that steps had already been taken and that the government would consider Yadav’s representation for enhanced security. He initially sought three weeks to take a decision, stating that any increase in security would require a review of the threat perception.
The Court, however, directed the immediate deployment of an additional PSO as an interim measure.
The plea was thereafter disposed of, with the interim protection to remain in place until the government takes a decision on Yadav’s representation.
The post Delhi High Court orders immediate additional security for MP Pappu Yadav amid threats appeared first on India Legal.