Supreme Court directs Centre to provide Z+ security cover to businessman Mukesh Ambani and his family even abroad

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani and his family members to be provided with the highest Z+ security cover across India and abroad. The court said that the entire cost and expenses of providing the highest level of Z+ security cover to the defendant Mukesh Ambani, whether in India or abroad, shall be borne by him.

Security cover has been a subject of controversy
A bench of Justices Krishna Murari and Ehsanuddin Amanullah gave these instructions on Monday. The court noted that it observed that the security cover provided to respondent Mukesh Ambani and his family has been a matter of dispute at various places and in various High Courts.

The court issued directions that the defendant Mukesh Ambani and his family be provided with the highest Z+ security cover on travel across India and abroad and be ensured by the State of Maharashtra and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The entire cost of providing the highest level of Z+ security cover to the Respondent Mukesh Ambani shall be borne by him in the territory of India or abroad. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the respondent, argues that the respondent was provided with the highest level of Z+ security in view of the persistent threat perception by the Mumbai Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Central Government.

He further submitted that the Respondent is at a constant risk of being targeted for destabilizing the country financially and such risk exists not only throughout India but also when the said Respondent is traveling abroad.

You will get security while traveling abroad
It is also pointed out that the respondents have businesses across the country and also across the globe and the philanthropic activities of their foundation penetrate even to the remotest corner of the country and in view of the threat perception, the highest level of security cover is necessary. .

Counsel for the applicant argues that the order dated July 22, 2022 needs clarification as the said order was limited to providing security cover to the respondent Mukesh Ambani exclusively within the State of Maharashtra, which is the place of business and residence of the said.