SC raps State and Centre on security for VVIP's

New Delhi,Feb 15 :The lack of security particularly for women, has got the

questioning the Union and State governments on the amount of money being spent on the security of politicians, celebrities and their families.

This has come to focus after the gangrape of a 23 year old medical student in Delhi recently. Even with numerous protests from women organisations demanding extra security, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had recently said that the situation remained unchanged in the city.She had also written to the Prime Minister requesting that this be looked into to ensure better security.

"Security has become a symbol of power and it is misused, running riot on ordinary citizens.Let us treat all citizens at par," the court observed. "What kind of money is being spent on this and who are the people who are being provided this security?" questioned the Supreme Court.

Excess security being provided to politicians and celebrities at the cost of providing ample security for women had got the apex court questioning Delhi police.

This issue has gained prominence amicus curiae Harish Salve told the court that 'thousands of crores of rupees' were being spent on VVIP security.

A deadline of March 14 has been given to furnish the information to the court.