In a major development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani and his family members to be provided with the highest Z+ security cover across India and abroad. In the highest level of security, the security ring consists of 55 personnel including CRPF commandos, who receive 24×7 security.
The matter was listed for hearing after the court observed that security cover was provided to respondent Mukesh Ambani and his family, amid several petitions filed in various high courts. During the court hearing, a bench of Justices Krishna Murari and Ahsanuddin Amanullah said that the entire expense and cost of providing Z+ security cover, the highest level in India or abroad, to Ambani should be borne by him.
Why is such protection given?
“After hearing the learned counsel for the parties, we are of the considered opinion that if there is a security threat, the security cover provided and that too at the respondents’ own cost, cannot be restricted to a particular area or place of stay The basic objective of providing security cover to the business activities of the respondents Nos. 2 to 6 (Mukesh Ambani and their families) within the country as well as outside the country, would be defeated if it is confined to a particular place or area,” the court said. he said.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the respondent, argues that the respondent was provided with the highest level of Z+ security in view of the persistent threat perception by the Mumbai Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Central Government.
(with inputs from agencies)