The Madras High Court has firmly stated that providing armed police protection to a history-sheeter solely based on threat perception goes against public morality. This ruling came in response to a plea filed by N T Stalin Bharath, challenging the withdrawal of police protection granted to him.
The court emphasized that while numerous journalists, government servants, and ordinary citizens are targeted and even killed for faithfully performing their societal duties, it is unreasonable to offer state-funded armed protection to someone who has actively contributed to their own perilous situation through criminal activities.
The petitioner, Bharath, claimed his father was murdered in 2021, and he was also assaulted during the incident. Consequently, Thiruvarur district police provided him with armed security. However, the situation took a turn when Rajkumar, an accused in his father’s murder, was killed. Bharath was subsequently added as an accused in the case and detained under the Goondas Act. Following his arrest, the protection he received was revoked.
Rejecting the petitioner’s plea, the court highlighted Bharath’s criminal background, evident from court records. The bench pointed out that the security cover was removed because Bharath was found to be involved in a murder case while under police protection. The court further emphasized that providing protection based solely on perceived threats would be impractical, as the state cannot provide security to every individual. The court noted that the petitioner was involved in multiple cases, including those involving serious offences under sections 307 and 302 of the Indian Penal Code.
The court clearly stated that police protection can only be granted by the court in appropriate cases based on legitimate threat perception. It underlined that offering protection to individuals who invite danger through criminal or anti-social activities goes against public morality. The court’s decision underscores the importance of balancing public safety with the need to deter criminal behavior and uphold ethical standards.
