Z+ Security for Mohan Bhagwat Under Fire: PIL Seeks Recovery of Costs from RSS Chief

Nagpur: A major legal challenge has emerged over the use of taxpayer money for high-level security cover, as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Bombay High Court’s Nagpur bench seeking recovery of expenses incurred on providing ‘Z+’ security to Mohan Bhagwat.

The petition, filed by social activist Lalan Kishore Singh through advocate Ashwin Ingole, questions why public funds are being used to provide one of India’s highest categories of security to the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which is not a government office.

Court to Hear Case on April 20

The matter is scheduled to be heard on April 20 by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode. The petition has named the Central Government, Maharashtra Government, and the Central Industrial Security Force as respondents.

Core Argument: Who Should Pay?

At the heart of the PIL lies a simple but significant question —
Should taxpayers bear the cost of providing elite security to private individuals?

The petitioner argues that while security may be justified based on threat perception, the financial burden should not fall on the public exchequer if the beneficiary does not hold an official government position.

Reference to Supreme Court Ruling

The plea also cites a 2023 ruling by the Supreme Court of India, which held that in certain cases, individuals benefiting from special security arrangements may be required to bear the cost themselves.

Why This Case Matters

This case could have far-reaching implications. If the court rules in favor of the petitioner, it may:

• Set a precedent for charging individuals or organizations for high-level security
• Trigger review of similar security arrangements across the country
• Raise broader questions about allocation of public resources

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