The Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy was given six weeks to quit the government lodging by the Delhi High Court on Wednesday.
Because of the security danger, he was assigned a five-year residence. He then became a Rajya Sabha MP, and the lodging stayed with him. His term as an MP expired in April 2022, and he requested re-allotment of government housing after the five-year period expired, claiming security concerns.
Justice Yashwant Varma directed Swamy to ensure the possession of his government bungalow is given to the Estate officer within a period of six weeks.
The bench said that the petitioner has his own private property where he can shift. As the petitioner is a Z category protectee, the protecting agency shall ensure the safety and security of the petitioner at his private premises.
The High court today passed the order while disposing of the plea of Swamy.
It was submitted on behalf of the petitioner Subramanian Swamy, as he is a Z category protectee, the government accommodation should be re-allotted to him in view of the security threat to him.
The bench noted the submission made on the behalf of the State that it is not obligated to those being extended security cover.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain appearing on behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) submitted that it is practically not possible to re-allot the accommodation to the petitioner. The petitioner has his own house in Nizamuddin East in Delhi.
He also submitted that there are members of ministers of the council who need the accommodation. There are judges of the High Court and Supreme court also.
The ASG claimed that the security protection supplied to the petitioner had not been lowered. He is still classified as a Z category protectee.
According to ASG, the petitioner’s security threat assessment indicated that he did not require a government lodging.
ASG Jain further informed the court that, while they were unable to re-allocate the lodging, the protective agencies will provide their services at Swamy’s own property in Nizamuddin East.
He further stated that Swamy has been designated an unlawful resident of the premises in dispute under the Public Premises Act.
