Threats not made up, boost his security: Delhi HC to government on Pappu Yadav's plea for enhanced security

eaThe Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered the Central government to immediately provide one more personal security officer (PSO) to Bihar independent Member of Parliament (MP) Pappu Yadav.

Justice Manoj Jain said that the interim measure will stay in place till the government decides on Yadav's representation for an increase in his security.

The Court also remarked that the concern raised by Yadav about his security has to be taken seriously.

"There is something significant. He is the sitting MP. You boost his security... Despite being some adequate measures, some incident has taken place. Don’t say it [the attack] is made up," the Court remarked.

In his plea, Yadav sought a fresh and comprehensive threat assessment and interim security measures across India. He currently has ‘Y+’ security cover in Bihar.

Yadav had argued that he has been receiving death threats since he performed a skit outside the parliament over irregularities in the Ram Mandir donations.

The plea stated that death threats were issued against him on August 1, including a public reward of ₹51 lakh for his beheading. It also alleged that a mob gathered outside the residence of his wife, who is also a sitting MP, and threatened to kill him.

According to the petition, Yadav submitted a complaint to the Delhi Police on August 2 along with electronic evidence of the threats. Later that day, while addressing a press conference at his Delhi residence, a shoe was thrown at him and an attempt was made to attack him with a knife.

Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat appeared for Yadav and told the Court that he has faced constant attacks and threats since his skit. He told the Court that public calls for his beheading have been made and one person has declared a bounty of ₹51 lakh for his head.

Farasat submitted that the government must look into his representation for improved security and interim measures must be put in place to increase his protection.

Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Ashish Dixit appeared for the government and stated that measures have been taken and that the government will decide on Yadav's representation shortly.

The Bench asked to take instructions on whether the government was willing to increase Pappu Yadav's security.

Dixit appeared before the Court later and stated that the government needs three weeks to decide Yadav's representation for increased security.

He also said that any increase in security can be done only after a review of the threat perception.

The Court then passed an interim order and disposed of his plea.

The petition was filed through advocates Kanishk Arora, Shakshi Goyal and Ishtpreet Singh.