PIL filed to provide 'Z' category security to kanchi seers

Chennai, July 28 (UNI) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was today filed in Madras High Court, seeking a direction to the Union and Tamil Nadu Governments to provide Z+ category security to Kanchi Acharya Jayendrar and junior pontiff Vijendrar immediately.

The PIL filed by Advocate Rajendran, is likely to come up for hearing on July 31.

In his PIL, Rajendran submitted that before the institution of a criminal case, the two pontiffs were provided with 'Z' category security for their safety. After the criminal case was initiated against them, the Z category security was withdrawn.

They were now moving freely with the people to bless them and visiting all places in the state. After their release from the prison, the government should have provided 'Z' category security which was provided earlier, he added.

The reason for the withdrawal of security was not because there was no threat to life any more, but the security was withdrawn on that day they were arrested, he said.

When former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was arrested in 1996, the security was withdrawn, but when she was released, the security was revived. Why such a procedure was not followed in the case of pontiffs. The present place where they were staying was a common place without any proper security facilities. There was every chance for terrorist groups and anti-social elements to plan anything against them by intruding into the mutt, Mr Rajendran added.

He said the situation in the country, particularly in the states of Mumbai, Delhi and Tamil Nadu was under threat of terrorist attack and bomb blasts. There was a chance that some unscrupulous elements may cause untoward incidents and thereby create law and order problem.

Even from the statement of the police, which was reported in a Tamil daily, the terrorist have plans to kill five hindu pontiffs.

This cannot be ignored. It strengthens the apprehension that the two pontiffs life was in danger. Therefore, in the interest of law and order and in the interest of public and national interest, 'Z' category security be provided immediately to the acharyas, he added.

UNI XR ROY AB VV1943