YS Jagan Mohan Reddy Challenges Reduction of Security Cover in Andhra Pradesh HC

The former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and YSRC party president, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has filed a writ petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court challenging the State government’s decision to reduce his security cover. The petition is expected to be heard on Wednesday, August 7.

Reddy, in his petition alleges that the current coalition government intends to harm him and has reduced his security cover for that reason, without considering the threat to his life. He claims the decision was made unilaterally and without prior notice.

The former chief minister urged the High Court to restore his previous security level (as of June 3, 2024) and to issue orders allowing for personal security officers, counter-assault teams, and signal-jammers. He emphasized that the security provided during his tenure as Chief Minister was crucial due to the sensitive nature of his position and the current political environment. The reduction in his security has raised serious concerns about his safety.

The petition notes that his security was reduced to 59 personnel without prior intimation, surprisingly occurring within a month after the general election results on June 4, 2024. He claims that no notice was sent regarding this reduction, which he argues is a violation of natural justice principles. He further asserts that there is no lawful justification for this downgrade, especially given the reduction in security personnel.

While the protection category has not been downgraded from the highest Z+ level, the number of personnel has been drastically reduced. Although the number of security personnel might seem high, Jagan explains that only two personal officers are present at any given time.

Jagan also contends that the heads of the government have ignored breaches in his security and accused the police of intentionally neglecting his safety and that of his party members. He recalls his protests in Delhi regarding organized attacks against YSRC members and properties.

He claims there is a plan to physically harm him, citing comments by senior TDP members widely circulated in the media. Narsipatnam MLA and Speaker Ayanna Patrudu reportedly said that Jagan was only defeated in the election but should be beaten until dead.

Jagan further points out that the security officers currently assigned to him are fewer than those typically provided to MLAs. He notes that while he previously had 11 guards at his residence, he now has only two and describes a near-defunct bulletproof car, which has forced him to cut short his visits on several occasions. He also mentions that permission to use a personal bulletproof car was denied.