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Punjab and Haryana High Court Issues Notice to Centre 

Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday issued notice of motion to the Union of India and other respondents on a petition filed by senior Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Singh Chautala, seeking Z-plus or Z-category central security cover in view of what he claims are serious and continuing threats from international and national gangster networks. Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya, while hearing the matter, sought responses from the Centre and other authorities and fixed December 16 as the next date of hearing.

Threats After Murder of INLD Leader Nafe Singh Rathi

In his plea, Chautala highlighted that the threat perception against him escalated sharply after the murder of INLD state president and former MLA Nafe Singh Rathi. Following the killing, Chautala had openly demanded the arrest of the accused and also sought a CBI probe under the supervision of the High Court, which, he said, made him a prime target for organised crime syndicates.

He alleged that after taking this public stand, he began receiving “repeated, credible and specific threats” from international and national gangsters, placing his life and the safety of his family in grave danger.

Allegation of State Inaction

Chautala has accused the Haryana government of complete inaction despite repeated representations seeking enhanced security. “The State has failed to take any action whatsoever. No security assessment committee was constituted, no threat analysis was carried out, and no interim protection was extended, even though the threat perception is grave, imminent, and continuously escalating,” the petition stated.

He further submitted that he had also raised the issue inside the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on February 27, 2024, during the Budget session. This was followed by a written representation to the Chief Minister on February 28, warning that Rathi’s assassination warranted an independent investigation through a central agency.

Long Political Career and Public Role Cited

Filed through advocate Sandeep Goyat, the writ petition details Chautala’s long political career spanning over two decades, noting that he has been a multiple-time MLA from Ellenabad, former Leader of Opposition in the Haryana Assembly, and is the grandson of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal.

The petition also refers to his active role in mass movements, including farmers’ protests, and his strong public stance against organised crime. It argues that his “unwavering and vocal opposition to criminal networks has exposed him and his family to heightened danger.”

Article 21 and Demand for Central Security

Invoking the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, Chautala has sought a court direction to the authorities to provide him with round-the-clock Z-plus or Z-category central security, preferably through a central force such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The petition further contends that despite making “specific, repeated and urgent” appeals to the home authorities, his request was not even formally considered, forcing him to invoke the High Court’s writ jurisdiction to seek protection. With the High Court’s notice now issued, the Centre and the State are expected to clarify their stand on the security threat assessment and the protection sought by the senior INLD leader.