The Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised serious questions regarding the extensive security cover provided to former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh. The court has sought clarification from the Punjab government on who authorized the deployment of 15 unofficial security personnel among the total 23 cops assigned to protect the cricketer.
Court's Scrutiny of Security Arrangements
During a recent hearing, the bench expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the clearance process for such a large security detail. The court noted that while only eight of the personnel were officially sanctioned, the remaining 15 were apparently deployed without proper authorization. This has led to a judicial inquiry into the matter.
State Government Asked to Respond
The Punjab government has been directed to file a detailed affidavit explaining the circumstances under which the additional security personnel were assigned. The court specifically wants to know which authority cleared the deployment and whether it followed standard procedures. The state has been given two weeks to respond.
Harbhajan Singh, a renowned spin bowler who has represented India in international cricket, has been under a security cover for several years. The high-profile nature of his celebrity status is often cited as the reason for the protection. However, the court's intervention suggests that the process may have been lacking in due diligence.
Legal and Administrative Implications
This case highlights the broader issue of how security is allocated to private individuals, especially public figures. The High Court's scrutiny could lead to stricter guidelines for security clearances in the future. Legal experts believe that the court's decision will set a precedent for similar cases across the state.
The matter is scheduled for the next hearing in two weeks, where the Punjab government's response will be examined. Until then, the security cover remains in place, but the court has made it clear that any irregularities will not be tolerated.
