New Delhi: The Supreme Court, on Friday, warned a petitioner of imposition of exemplary costs if he persists in challenging the government’s decision to grant Z+ category security cover to Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and his family.
Bikash Saha, a resident of Tripura, sought a direction from the top court to revoke the security cover.
“The applicant has no locus standi to challenge the security provided by the State after duly evaluating the threat inputs, and we warn that any further proceedings will lead to the Court imposing exemplary costs on him,” a two-judge vacation bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan observed.
While passing the order, the Apex court reiterated that the Z+ security cover provided to Mukesh Ambani, his wife Neeta Ambani and children Anant, Aakash and Isha should continue to be given.
Rejecting Saha’s plea, the top court observed: “Is it for the Supreme Court to decide who is to be given what security? This is something new which has popped up. New genre of jurisprudence. Is this our domain?”
“Who are you to decide the threat perception? The Government of India will decide that, no? Tomorrow, if some mishap happens, will you take responsibility? Or will the Court take responsibility for it,” the bench added.
“Don’t do this, this is very serious and we are warning you. Don’t think there is a goldmine to be snatched over here and we are not here to facilitate your process,” the judges observed.
Former attorney general (AG) of India Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Mukesh Ambani and his family, objected to Saha’s plea.
“Security is granted by the government, considering the threat perception. This gentleman has nothing to do with it,” he said.
