The Madras High Court on Friday directed the Tamil Nadu Home Secretary to convene a meeting of Security Review Committee (SRC) and take a decision by September 30 with regard to the threat perception of PMK leaders S. Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss. The decision should be in the light of their sworn affidavits that there was a serious threat to their lives.
Justice K.K. Sasidharan passed the order on a plea by PMK president G.K. Mani for a direction to the authorities to provide adequate police protection to Dr. Ramadoss and Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, who is a former Union Minister.
The petitioner said that the government had earlier provided police protection for the two leaders considering the threat perception. However, the security cover was abruptly withdrawn in April . A representation was made to the Home Secretary in July to restore protection. As the government failed to take any action, he approached the court, Mr. Mani said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Counsel submitted that police protection was withdrawn due to political reasons.
The government contended that the two leaders misused the security and indulged in violence. Only the SRC was the appropriate authority to decide the threat perception.
Mr. Justice Sasidharan said the petitioner now apprehended that there was serious threat to the lives of the two leaders after the Marakkanam incident on April 25. The two had filed separate affidavits indicating the need for police protection for them.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said the decision to withdraw security was taken by the SRC on May 20, 2011. The unfortunate incidents at Dharmapuri and (riots) and Marakkanam took place only thereafter. There was an ongoing dispute and difference of opinion between two political parties as a consequence of these incidents. The threat perception required to be decided in the light of background facts. The security concern raised by the two leaders should be considered taking into account the recent violence and possible repercussion.
Mr. Justice Sasidharan said there was nothing on record to show that the SRC met after withdrawing security for the two. There was no recent review of security perception by the SRC. Hence, he was of the considered opinion that the situation warranted the committee’s review.