Delhi High Court Directs Centre to Provide Additional PSOs to MP Pappu Yadav Amid Death Threats and Security Concerns

The Delhi High Court has officially disposed of a writ petition filed by Purnia Member of Parliament Pappu Yadav, issuing a significant directive to the central government regarding his personal safety. Hearing the petition on Tuesday, the High Court ordered the Centre to immediately deploy additional Personal Security Officers (PSOs) to safeguard the parliamentarian. This protective measure will remain in place until the Union Ministry of Home Affairs takes a final, formal decision on the MP's pending application for enhanced nationwide security cover.Escalating Threats and Limitation of Existing Y-Category SecurityThe legal recourse was initiated by Pappu Yadav following a series of alarming security breaches and direct death threats targeting him and his family. Currently, the Purnia MP possesses 'Y-category' security cover, which is constitutionally and operationally restricted solely to the state of Bihar. Consequently, when traveling to New Delhi or moving across the country for parliamentary duties, he lacks adequate protection. The situation escalated dramatically after July 29, when threatening messages were sent via his official website warning of bomb attacks, followed by an aggressive gathering of 10 to 15 individuals outside the New Delhi residence of his wife, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Ranjita Ranjan, demanding physical harm.Physical Assault and Slipper-Throwing Incident at Press ConferenceMatters took a violent turn last week when an assault occurred during a press conference at the MP's official residence in the national capital, where attackers hurled slippers and claimed to possess knives. The incident left the MP's media convener and security personnel injured while attempting to intervene. Although an FIR was promptly registered at the Tilak Marg police station on August 3 and suspects were initially detained, their subsequent release on personal bonds and their public statements threatened further escalation, prompting the urgent plea for judicial intervention in the High Court.Parliament House Protest and Nationwide Political BacklashThe surge in security threats is widely linked to a high-profile political demonstration staged on July 31 within the Parliament House complex. Opposition MPs protested against alleged irregularities surrounding donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. During the protest, MP Pappu Yadav donned saffron robes and sat outside the Makar Dwar with a donation box, attempting to theatricalize allegations of stolen offerings. The demonstration drew sharp nationwide condemnation from religious organizations, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and various Hindu seers who accused the MP of intentionally insulting sacred saffron attire, triggering intense political fallout.Centre’s Submission and High Court's DirectiveDuring the court proceedings, central government counsel Ashish Dixit informed the bench that the Union Home Ministry is actively reviewing Pappu Yadav's application and will reach a definitive decision within three weeks. With the government acknowledging the review and agreeing to immediate interim deployment, the High Court directed the provision of additional PSOs, disposing of the petition while granting the petitioner the liberty to pursue further legal remedies if dissatisfied with the final administrative outcome.