Proceedings may have international impact: Bombay High Court seeks State's response to plea seeking Z+ security for Adar Poonawalla

The Bombay High Court on Thursday directed the Maharashtra government to respond to the plea seeking Z+ security cover for Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer of the Serum Institute of India (SII), which manufactures and distributes the Covishield vaccine..The plea filed by Mumbai lawyer Datta Mane sought registration of FIRs against persons who allegedly threatened Poonawalla in relation to supply of the vaccine..During the hearing, the vacation bench of Justices SS Shinde and NR Borkar queried about Mane's locus to file such a petition.Advocate Pradeep Havnur, appearing for Mane, informed the Court that any citizen in the country could set the wheels of criminal laws into motion..The Court warned Mane to bear in mind while arguing that such proceedings "will have an international impact" and may hamper the good reputation that India enjoys internationally..The Bench was also informed that Poonawalla had been granted 'Y' category security cover by the Union Home Ministry. However, the security granted seemed to be inadequate as Poonawalla left the country shortly thereafter..Referring to a recent interview with Poonawalla's father, the Bench said that he seemed to have gone to London on a break.Having noted this, the Bench clarified that if there is a necessity, then the State will have to take action accordingly."He is doing a good job", the Court expressed..Since the State sought time to respond to the petition, the Court posted the matter for further hearing on June 1..Mane claimed that he had filed a complaint with the Commissioner of Pune Police and the Director General of Police, Maharashtra.Even otherwise, Mane claimed, the Maharashtra government had requested Poonawalla to register a complaint so that action could be taken against such people pressurising him.If vaccine makers feel unsafe, then it may affect vaccine production, Mane had contended in his petition. .In view of the above, Mane sought the following through his petition:Directions to the Commissioner of Pune Police and Director General of Maharashtra Police to register an FIR against complaint filed by Mane.Direct respondents to provide 'Z Plus' security cover to Poonawalla and his family members and also protect the assets of SII.