High Court Mandates Fresh Security Review for Former Punjab Minister
In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a directive for a comprehensive new threat assessment concerning senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) functionary and former Punjab minister Bikram Singh Majithia. The court has ordered both the Central government and the Punjab state administration to conduct this fresh evaluation and submit their detailed reports in a sealed cover by the next scheduled hearing on March 6.
Court Cites Persistent Life Threats Despite Bail
Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri delivered this order after hearing submissions that Majithia continues to face serious and credible threats to his life, even following his release on bail by the Supreme Court on February 2 in a disproportionate assets case. The High Court explicitly stated, "It is further directed that till the next date of hearing, the state of Punjab shall ensure that the petitioner is adequately protected." To enforce this, the court has mandated the Punjab Chief Secretary to file a formal affidavit in consultation with the Director General of Police (DGP).
Legal Team Presents Evidence of Elevated Risk
Representing Majithia, a team of senior advocates including R S Cheema and D S Sobti, assisted by S S Sangha, presented compelling arguments to the bench. They highlighted that the Ministry of Home Affairs had previously flagged potential risks to Majithia's safety. This concern led a coordinate bench of the High Court to direct the Punjab government on May 2, 2025, to ensure his adequate protection.
The defence further cited a critical internal communication dated January 3 from the Special Director General of Police (Intelligence) in Punjab. This communication conveyed specific intelligence inputs from central agencies regarding a terrorist plot to target Majithia while he was in judicial custody. The legal team emphasized that Majithia has been a Z+ category protectee for several years, and his recent release from custody necessitates an urgent and thorough review of all existing security protocols and arrangements.
Government Responses and Security Details
During the proceedings, Additional Advocate General Chanchal Singla, representing the Punjab government, informed the court that Majithia is currently protected by a contingent of 15 security personnel. While asserting that the current security is adequate, the state counsel did not object to the formation of a committee to reassess the overall threat perception.
Similarly, Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain, appearing for the Central government, submitted that the Centre is willing to conduct a fresh and independent evaluation of the security threats faced by the former minister. This cooperative stance from both government bodies underscores the gravity of the intelligence inputs received.
The High Court's intervention highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by high-profile political figures in the region and sets a precedent for judicial oversight in matters of personal protection based on intelligence assessments.
