Rajya Sabha MP and former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court after his security was withdrawn and he has filed a petition questioning the Punjab government’s decision and has asked for his security to be restored immediately.
According to the petition Harbhajan Singh said that removing his security without proper reasons could put his safety at risk and has requested the court to ensure protection for him and his family.
Taking the matter seriously the High Court issued notices to both the Punjab government and the Central government asking them to file their replies and the court also made it clear that before reducing the security of any public representative a proper threat assessment must be carried out.
During the hearing the court asked the Punjab government on what basis the “threat perception” was reviewed and why the security was withdrawn while the government’s lawyer said that the decision was part of a routine process however the court questioned the timing especially after Harbhajan Singh’s political move from the Aam Aadmi Party to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The court was also informed that after the state security was removed the Central government provided CRPF security cover to Harbhajan Singh at his residence in Jalandhar and the High Court also took note of recent incidents where protests were held outside his house and “traitor” was written on the walls. The court asked the Punjab government what action has been taken in this matter. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 12.
