HC not amused with security cover to 'VIPs'

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana High Court today observed that security cover has turned out to be a prestige issue for many and directed that escort and pilot vehicles shall accompany only the chief ministers, the speakers and the chief justice of these states.

The court's observation came during hearing on a petition filed by SGPC secretary Raghbir Singh, who contended that despite threats to him and his family, Punjab had withdrawn security.

A division bench of Justices Hemant Gupta and Nawab Singh said, "Our constitution provides equal rights and status to all its citizens. The feudal mindset does not synchronize with the expectations of the people of this country."

Directing Punjab, Haryana and the union teritory of Chandigarh to reassess threat perception to various people, the court said, while undertaking the exercise to review the security cover of all protectees it should be done irrespective of the standing orders of the court or any subordinate court.

The review of the security should be completed within three months and the report submitted to the court.

The case would come up for hearing on March 23, 2009.