High Court Pushes Punjab Govt for Fresh Report in Majithia Security Row; Next Hearing on July 12

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu) : The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday directed the Punjab government to file a fresh and comprehensive report concerning the security arrangements provided to senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged downgrading of his security cover. The court, hearing a petition filed by Majithia seeking adequate security, expressed dissatisfaction with the existing submissions and asked the state to present a clearer picture in the next hearing scheduled for July 12.

Background of the Case

Majithia, a prominent political figure and former cabinet minister in Punjab, has been at the center of a long-standing security debate. His legal counsel argued in court that the state government’s decision to alter his security detail was politically motivated and compromised his safety, especially given past threats and pending legal cases. The petitioner contended that despite being a Z+ category protectee earlier, his security was arbitrarily reduced without proper assessment by intelligence agencies.

Court's Observations

The bench, while hearing the plea, emphasized the importance of an unbiased and fact-based approach to matters concerning personal security of public figures, particularly those who face potential threats due to their political or public roles. “The issue of security should not be politicized. The state is duty-bound to ensure adequate protection based on threat perception, not political equations,” the court observed.

Punjab Govt’s Response and Court’s Directive

The Punjab government, represented by senior legal officers, maintained that the security arrangements were revised in accordance with updated threat assessments. However, the court noted that the report lacked clarity and did not sufficiently explain the rationale behind the changes made. In light of this, the High Court has directed the state to submit a revised and detailed affidavit, along with intelligence inputs, by the next date of hearing.

Political Reactions

The issue has sparked strong reactions from both the ruling and opposition parties in Punjab. The Shiromani Akali Dal accused the AAP-led Punjab government of “vendetta politics,” while AAP leaders maintained that no one is above law and security provisions must align with current assessments. With the next hearing set for July 12, all eyes are now on the Punjab government’s forthcoming report. Legal experts believe that the case could set a precedent for how security decisions for political leaders are reviewed and scrutinized by courts.