The Patna High Court has ruled against the Bihar government’s move to reduce Independent Lok Sabha MP Rajesh Ranjan, known as Pappu Yadav, security cover from ‘Y+’ to ‘Y’ category. The court termed the decision as “arbitrary and whimsical,” emphasizing the violation of natural justice principles. Justice Jitendra Kumar directed the Bihar Home Secretary to reinstate the ‘Y+’ category security cover previously provided to the Purnia MP.
The court’s decision came in response to a writ petition filed by Yadav, citing threats to his life and property from criminal groups, including those associated with Lawrence Bishnoi and Chhotu Yadav. Justice Kumar highlighted that the state government downgraded Yadav’s security cover without seeking his input or following principles of natural justice. The court stressed the importance of fairness and objective material in executive decisions impacting an individual’s safety and liberty.
Yadav’s counsel argued that the Bihar government had upgraded his security cover to ‘Y+’ category but failed to inform him. Subsequently, within a short period, the security cover was downgraded back to ‘Y’ category without prior notice. The court found that the decision to reduce Yadav’s security cover was solely based on a report from the Superintendent of Police, Purnia, which did not indicate a decrease in threat perception against the MP.
The Patna High Court nullified the order downgrading Yadav’s security cover and instructed the Bihar government to reevaluate the security enhancement plea. The court directed the authorities to consider inputs from Yadav and security agencies before issuing a reasoned order in compliance with the law. Earlier, the Supreme Court had allowed Yadav to approach the Patna High Court for an expedited hearing on his request to elevate his security cover from ‘Y’ to ‘Z’ category due to alleged threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
