SUHAIB ILYASI Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Petitioner Suhaib Ilyasi seeks quashing of the decision for withdrawal of security, conveyed to him vide communication No-7399/X-Security dated 20.10.2001. Petitioner assails the said decision as arbitrary and malafide since according to him grave threat to his life and family members, from dreaded criminals still persists.

(2.) Notice to show cause in the writ petition was issued on 24.10.2001 and 29.10.2001, respondents were directed to consider whether during the interregnum protection by one constable could be provided to the petitioner. A constable has since then been provided at the petitioner's residence. Pleadings were completed and counsel for the parties were heard on 6.8.2002 and Judgment reserved.

(3.) Petitioner, an Indian citizen, is the producer and conceiver of the well known Tele serial "India's Most wanted", telecast on Zee TV. This serial has been followed by the serial "Fugitive the Most wanted". The said programme related to the most wanted criminals, who were absconding and whose cases remained unsolved. Petitioner claims that the programme was unique to the Indian media and became very popular. Petitioner states that the tele serial was not merely a television show, but a crusade and mission for him to reduce the crime rate of the country and to utilise the media power in the larger interest of the country. It Is claimed that the programme led to encounters and arrest and surrender of 45 dreaded criminals, who featured in 94 episodes. The programme won awards. It is averred that the telecasting of the serial resulted in the petitioner's receiving serious threats to his life and his family members from dreaded criminals. Respondents, in view of the threat, provided round the clock security to the petitioner.