The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken cognizance of a petition filed by Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Singh Chautala, seeking an urgent upgrade of his security cover to the ‘Z-plus’ or ‘Z-category’ level. On Tuesday, the High Court issued notices to the Union of India and the Haryana government, directing them to file their responses regarding the alleged security threats faced by the senior leader.
The petition, argued by Advocate Sandeep Goyat, contends that the current ‘Y-plus’ security cover provided to Chautala is wholly inadequate given the continuous threats to his life. The plea highlights that the INLD chief, who is the grandson of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, requires robust protection not just within Haryana, but also during his frequent political travels to neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
According to the counsel, representations were previously made to the Central government, the Haryana government, and the Chandigarh UT administration regarding these concerns. However, the petition alleges that no substantive action was taken by the authorities to bolster his security detail, compelling the leader to approach the High Court.
The plea details specific instances of intimidation that prompted the legal move. Advocate Goyat informed the court that in July, a direct threat was issued to Abhay Chautala. A death threat was allegedly conveyed via a voice note sent on WhatsApp to his son, Karan Chautala, and a similar call was received by the leader’s personal assistant.
Following the incident, Karan Chautala lodged a formal complaint with the Chandigarh Police regarding the threats from unknown persons.
The petition relies heavily on the recent backdrop of violence targeting the party’s leadership. The counsel pointed out the brutal murder of INLD state president Nafe Singh Rathee and another party leader in recent times as grounds for the heightened threat perception.
“These incidents and threats which Abhay ji received, as well as the fact that no arrests were carried out in the threats which the INLD chief received, was the basis on which the petition had been filed,” Goyat stated after the hearing.
After hearing the primary submissions, the High Court bench issued notices to the respondents, including the Centre and State authorities. The matter has been listed for the next hearing on December 16, where the government is expected to clarify its stand on the security assessment of the INLD leader.
