HC steps in to save you from VIP movements

The Delhi HC asks concerned authorities to work out a strategy to reduce traffic-related inconveniences to the general public whenever there is a VIP on the move, reports Harish V Nair.

How many times have you been stuck exasperated in one of Delhi’s never-ending traffic jams, all because of a ‘VIP movement’?

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The Delhi High Court — hearing a public interest petition filed by advocates Nagender Desraj and Anil Gautam — has asked concerned authorities, including security agencies, to work out a strategy to reduce traffic-related inconveniences to the general public whenever there is a VIP on the move.

A bench headed by Chief Justice MK Sharma said: “It cannot be denied that the security of chief minister of Delhi and other ministers is a matter of concern. Security agencies must provide proper protection to the VIPs when they are traveling. However, at the same time the security agencies must ensure that the general public is not harassed and put to unnecessary inconvenience.” The bench also took serious exception to the practice of security agencies pointing guns at the public and said the practice can be followed only there is a grave threat, or circumstances warrant such action.

It was Desraj’s personal experience that triggered the petition. In January, while he was on his way from Rohini to the Delhi High Court, security guards escorting the chief minister’s convoy passing by abused him, he alleged.

HT recently did a series of stories highlighting the chaos caused by VIP movement in the city. Although there have been proposals to address the issue — like using helicopters to ferry VIPs like the president and prime minister to the airport — they have not been put into practice consistently enough so far.