Wealthy take care of their own security, Supreme Court criticizes Ambani brothers over security

- The government should take care of the safety of the poor

New Delhi on Wednesday 28th October 2020

The Supreme Court has rejected a petition challenging the Z-Security granted by the government to the country's richest businessman Mukesh Ambani and his brother Anil Ambani. However, the court upheld the Mumbai High Court's view that the rich should bear the cost of their own security.

The decision was challenged in the Mumbai High Court in 2013 when the Manmohan Singh government gave Zet Plus security to the Ambani brothers. The petitioner argued that these brothers were rich enough to bear the cost of their own security. The High Court had dismissed the application. However, the High Court was of the view that the issue could not be taken lightly if the lives of these brothers were at stake in the country's economy. It is the government's job, not the court's, to decide who gets how much and how much security.

Lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, appearing in court on behalf of the Ambani family, told the court that security had to be sought as there was a risk of death on my client and his family. But the cost of this security is borne by the Ambani family itself, the people's money has not taken this security. Accepting the argument, the High Court held that the government could provide such security to a person who is willing to pay the cost of his security. The government has the right to demand security for those whose lives are in danger.

The decision was challenged in the Supreme Court in 2013 when the Manmohan Singh government gave Zet Plus security to Mukesh Ambani. The Supreme Court had sought an answer from the government on the issue. The apex court said such rich people could take security with their own money. So why should such rich people be given security with public money when a man considers himself insecure.