High Court orders police protection for gangster

In a contempt petition, Malli had sought directions to provide him security stating that there is a threat to his life.

Mentioning that he is a reformed person, he submitted that there are several incidents where there were attempts on his life. He said several supari killers have been arrested by the police and several plots of revenge against him have also been hatched.

He said despite the High Court single judge in 2004 and 2006 orders directing the police to consider his request, not much is done in this connection.

Government Counsel V S Hegde, objecting to the petitioner’s request for security, told the court that if his prayer is granted, the Government in future will have to put more man power to protect rowdy sheeters.

The police had submitted that not much was done considering his criminal antecedents. The police further submitted that several cases under TADA and Arms Act cases were booked against him in the past. However, the Division Bench comprising Justice J S Khehar and Justice A S Bopanna directed to provide a constable as security as an experimental basis. “If the threat persists, the security can be reviewed after two months,” the Bench said. However, the Bench said that the complainant has to pay for the security provided to him.