He is not just a private citizen: Delhi High Court questions Centre on failure to provide security at Subramanian Swamy residence

The Delhi High Court on Monday observed that former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Subramanian Swamy is not just a private citizen, but a person to whom the government has granted Z category security. .The Court questioned the Central government about how it plans to provide security to Swamy at his private residence, given the fact that it is yet to create any infrastructure for security personnel to stay.The High Court rejected the Centre's argument that arrangements could not be made because personnel were engaged in management of security across the city during the festive season. "Oh please! Don’t float such general statements, that too, early in the morning. Did you withdraw security cover from him and place them to manage security during festivals?" the Court asked. .Justice Yashwant Varma has now given the Centre three days' time to file a better response explaining the arrangements it will make to ensure that Swamy's security concerns are met. .“Although affidavit has been tendered on behalf of Respondent on the assertion that the September 14, 2022 order has not been complied with and security arrangements have not been made. Learned ASG has prayed for time to file a better and comprehensive affidavit in order to assure that security concerns will be met. Let that be done in three day,” the court ordered.The Court will now hear the matter on November 3..Senior Advocate Jayant Mehta, appearing for Swamy, had informed the Court despite a categorical assurance given by the Centre, no one even visited Swamy's private residence to take stock of infrastructure needed to provide him security. Mehta stated that according to a court order, the last date for Swamy to vacate his government bungalow was October 26, and it was only after he mentioned the matter in the High Court that someone from the government visited Swamy's private accommodation. “Despite repeated requests, the first time they visit us is October 27…Not one infrastructure has moved. For a Z category protectee, it has to be put up in place. There is no place for the security personnel to rest. No sentry gates, no facility anything,” Mehta informed the Court..Swamy is entitled to Z category security. He had been allotted a bungalow in Delhi by the Centre for 5 years in January 2016. The veteran politician continued to live there throughout his Rajya Sabha tenure, which came to an end in April 2022.As he was supposed to vacate the premises, Swamy approached the Delhi High Court seeking re-allotment of the bungalow in view of the continued security threat to him.In his application, photographs were also shown comparing the government bungalow and his other accomodation to argue that no arrangements towards security had been provided for in the latter..However, the Central government opposed the plea, arguing that even though the security perception towards Swamy had not been downgraded, there was no obligation on the government to provide accommodation to him along with security cover.Additional Solicitor Sanjay Jain had appeared for the Central government and stated that the government would continue to provide security to the senior leader, subject to periodical reviews. He also told the Court that Swamy had a house in Delhi where he could shift and that security agencies would take all steps to ensure his safety there.The Court, therefore, dismissed that petition after noting that the allotment was made for five years and that it was not shown any material which mandates or requires allotment of government accommodation to Z category protectees..Swamy was assisted by advocate Satya Sabharwal in the matter. .[Breaking] Delhi High Court directs Subramanian Swamy to hand over his Delhi bungalow within six weeks