By Diksha-
The Apex Court expressed its dissent with Bombay High Court’s opinion that Z-plus security should be for people who are under threat and have the ability to pay for it.
The Court dismissed a petition filed by Himanshu Agarwal that seeked withdrawal of Z-plus cover to Ambani family on the ground that they were well-off to pay for their own security instead of the State paying for it.
The Bombay High Court had also dismissed the PIL before.
According to a TOI report, the Court explained, “It is the duty of the state to ensure the maintenance of law and order which includes providing security cover to such citizens who require the same to protect their lives. The revenue of Reliance Industries Limited Corporation has a substantial impact on India’s GDP”.
“The threat perception of these private individuals cannot be lightly ignored to deny protection to their lives”.
“Once a threat from a terrorist organisation has been found by the respondent state, private respondent’s family members to have security protection of the highest category to protect their life and limb cannot be alleged as lacking in substance.”
The Supreme Court Bench also directed the State to conduct periodical assessment of any such threats to the Ambani family and take appropriate actions for it.