HC says no to bodyguards for former ministers

Expressing displeasure over the retention of bodyguards by former parliamentarians, ministers and legislators, the Patna High Court today or...

Expressing displeasure over the retention of bodyguards by former parliamentarians, ministers and legislators, the Patna High Court today ordered the withdrawal of bodyguards, houseguards and commandoes provided to private individuals and retired government servants, and asked the police to submit to it by May 2 a detailed list of all those enjoying such facilities.

The division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nagendra Rai and Justice S.N. Hussain ordered the director general of police to furnish the details of bodyguards, houseguards and commandoes provided.

The court also asked the police to inform it about the guidelines it followed in providing such guards, the authorities empowered to post guards for security to private individuals, politicians and others and details of the circumstances in which they were given police security.

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Expressing displeasure over former MPs, ministers and legislators, retaining their security guards, the court orally ordered the withdrawal of such facilities from ‘‘non-government and retired public servants and make reallotment after thoroughly reviewing’’ each case.

Senior advocate M.P. Gupta, representing the Indian Medical Association which had sought protection for doctors from extortionists and kidnappers, told the court that large deputation of bodyguards was also coming in the way of effectively maintaining law and order due to inadequate police force.