Allahabad HC Directs MHA To Decide In 3 Weeks Application By Karnataka BJP Worker Seeking Z+ Security Cover

A bench of Justice Shekhar B Saraf and Justice Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary passed the order while disposing of Shishir's writ petition, wherein he sought an upgrade to Z-plus security from his current round-the-clock cover of 1 CAPF Personal Security Officer.

Initially, Shishir sought 'Y-Plus' category security in his plea. However, citing an order passed by a coordinate bench on May 12, 2026, which he claimed could "severely enhance the security threat" already present against him, Shishir amended his prayer to seek 'Z-Plus' security cover from the CAPF on an all-India basis.

For context, in this case, acting on Shishir's writ plea, the High Court directed the CBI and ED to verify his 'disproportionate assets' allegations against Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and apprise the Court of their progress.

The bench was apprised that Shishir had already submitted an application to the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 26, 2026, seeking Z+ security cover.

During the proceedings, the Deputy Solicitor General of India, appearing for the Union Government, submitted that he had no instructions on whether any decision had been taken regarding this application following a change in circumstances.

Keeping in mind the threat perception alleged by the petitioner, the High Court said that a decision must be taken by the competent authority.

Hence, the bench passed the following order:

"…the writ petition is disposed of with a direction upon the Home Secretary, Union of India/Competent Authority being respondent No.1 herein to grant an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, and thereafter, pass a reasoned order in accordance with law within a period of three weeks from the date of production of a certified copy of this order".

The court clarified that until the Home Ministry makes a final decision, Shishir will continue to receive protection from 1 CAPF PSO. 

The division bench also granted the petitioner liberty to move a separate application before the co-ordinate bench that passed the May 12 order seeking progress in the DA complaint against Gandhi.

It may be noted that another petition by Shishir is pending before the High Court seeking an FIR against Gandhi for allegedly holding British citizenship.