New Delhi: This is one observation that has the potential to snowball into a major controversy. On Thursday, the Delhi High Court observed that politicians were not a "national asset" that should be protected.
The court took the politicians head on for having their security
guards on tow whenever they stepped out, inconveniencing the common citizens.
It wryly added, they should remain in the confines of their homes and offices if they feel threatened by citizens.
"You should not let these men (politicians ) to come out. Their presence in public places itself threatens the common men," the court observed.
"I do not know why it has become a matter of prestige for them to move with 10-15 uniform security personnel carrying lethal weapon," a bench comprising Justice T S Thakur and Justice Veena Birbal said while hearing a public interest litigation.
The court said politicians were not a "national asset" and if they were, the citizens would protect them.
“It (having security) has become fashionable and a status symbol. The more people (security men) surrounds these people (politicians) the more prestigious they feel. It is obnoxious that common men are forced to stay on the sidelines and are prevented to walk on the pavements when the politicians pass through," the court added.
The court was expressing its displeasure at politicians causing inconvenience to the public by the overwhelming presence of security guards.
The Court's observation came while hearing a PIL on police reforms seeking separation of force into two wings to deal with law and order and investigation independently.
In sharp remarks laced with sarcasm, the judges could not hide their dismay when they said, "If these people feel so threatened they should not come out in public places."
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