SC questions ‘Z’ cover for Ambani

The Supreme Court on Wednesday criticised the Centre’s decision to provide Z category security to business tycoon Mukesh Ambani, saying efforts should be made to ensure the safety of the common people who have been feeling insecure in the wake of crimes like rape.

“Why should a private businessman in Bombay be provided state security? If they want, let them engage private security... A five-year-old girl would not have been raped if there was proper security in the national capital,” a bench headed by Justice G.S. Singhvi said, referring to a case that triggered four days of street protests after a child was kidnapped and raped in a room right below her family’s apartment.

“We read in newspapers that the ministry of home has directed providing for CISF security to an individual. Why is the state providing security to such a person,” the bench said without naming Mr Ambani.

“If there is a threat perception, then he must engage private security personnel... We are not concerned about the securi-

He (Ambani) must engage private security... We are not concerned about the security of X,Y,Z persons but about the security of the common man

–– Supreme Court

ty of X,Y,Z persons but about the security of the common man,” the bench said.

The court was hearing a petition filed by a resident of Uttar Pradesh on the misuse of security cover and red beacons provided by the government.

The government’s decision to provide security for Mr Ambani had evoked sharp criticism from the Left parties, following which it was clarified that he would foot the expenses, estimated at `15 lakh to `16 lakh per month.

The tycoon is the new entrant to the ‘Z’ category “VIP security club” after the home ministry recently approved an armed commando squad to guard him based on threat perceptions.