HC slams security for netas : Politicians should stay at home if they feel threatened: HC

HC slams security for netas
26 Oct 2007 The Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Thursday deplored the practice of politicians moving around with gun-toting security guards, which has come be treated as a "status symbol" and causes inconvenience to the public. It advised politicians to confine themselves to their homes or offices if they felt "threatened by citizens".

A division bench headed by Justice T S Thakur said politicians were not a "national asset" that should be protected by so many security personnel.

"You should not let these men (politicians ) come out. Their presence in public places itself threatens the common man. I do not know why it has become a matter of prestige for them to move with 10-15 uniformed security personnel carrying lethal weapons," Justice Thakur told the counsel for the central government.

The court made these harsh observations while expressing displeasure over the inconvenience the public is put to by the overwhelming presence of security guards accompanying politicians at public places. It was hearing a PIL on police reforms seeking separation of the force into two independent wings to deal with law and order, and investigations.

The court was unsparing in its criticism of the manner in which Delhiites were asked to steer clear of public places by these security personnel on the pretext of VIP security. The court remarked with dismay: "If these people feel so threatened they should not come out in public places."

"It has become fashionable and a status symbol. The more people (security men) surround these people (politicians) the more prestigious they feel. It is obnoxious that common men are forced to stay on the sidelines and are prevented from walking on pavements when politicians pass through," the court said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Delhi_HC_slams_security_for_netas/articleshow/2491469.cms

Politicians should stay at home if they feel threatened: HC

25 Oct 2007 The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Observing they were not a "national asset", the Delhi High Court on Friday took the politicians head on over having their security guards on tow when they step out and wryly told them to remain in the confines of their homes and offices if they feel threatened by citizens.

"You should not let these men (politicians ) to come out. Their presence in public places itself threatens the common men. I do not know why it has become a matter of prestige for them to move with 10-15 uniform security personnel carrying lethal weapon," a Bench comprising Justice T S Thakur and Justice Veena Birbal told the Centre.

The court made these harsh observations while expressing displeasure over the inconvenience the public have to put up by the overwhelming presence of security guards accompanying politicians at public places.

The Court's observation came while hearing a PIL on police reforms seeking separation of force into two wings to deal with law and order and Investigation independently.

In sharp remarks laced with sarcasm, the judges could not hide their dismay when they said "If these people feel so threatened they should not come out in public places."

The judges said they (politicians) were not a national asset which should be protected and if they were, the citizens would protect and there was no need to be threatened by them (public).

"It has become fashionable and a status symbol. The more people(security men) surrounds these people(politicians) the more prestigious they feel. It is obnoxious that common men are forced to stay on the sidelines and are prevented to walk on the pavements when the politicians pass through", the Court said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/HC_to_politicians_Stay_at_home_if_you_feel_threatened/articleshow/2490454.cms

With thanks from THE TIMES OF INDIA

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