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Synopsis

A division bench of the Bombay High Court in Aurangabad, comprising Justice Ravindra V Ghuge and Justice YB Khabragade, has recently asked the Registrar General of Andhra Pradesh to provide security details from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthan for the Shrine of Shree Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi.

“We direct the learned Registrar (Adminstration) of this Court to contact the learned Register General of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh so as to collect first hand information from the Trust/ Management of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthan with regard to the security system deployed. We must be informed of the entire details of the security system that is deployed, save and except, such information, which could be termed as being confidential/classified and cannot be shared,” the court said

The high court hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that focused on enhancing the security measures at the Holy Shrine of Shree Saibaba Sansthan in Shirdi. The PIL sought to ensure the implementation of a foolproof security system to effectively address any potential threats or unforeseen incidents.

During the proceedings, it was highlighted that historical sites managed by the Archaeological Survey of India fall under the protection of the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force). However, the specifics of the security system in place at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthan were not elucidated by the counsels.

Upon further investigation, the petitioner's counsel informed the court that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthan was exploring the adoption of a security system similar to the one employed in Israel.

In response, the Government Pleader asserted that the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC) possessed the capability to ensure the safety of the Shree Saibaba Sansthan, making the involvement of an external agency unnecessary.

However, the bench said that the MSSC was given police-like training.

“We notice from 'X’ 3' that the said Corporation has been recruiting fresh personnel and is giving them 'police like' training. The petitioner submits that the issue is of ensuring a strong and capable security system which can combat even a terrorist attack. This will not be possible if the personnel is selected from the public who and is then trained 'police like' and deployed under a fanciful impression that they are as well trained as are the personnel from the CISF,” the order said.

In its order, the bench also emphasized the importance of gathering information from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthan, which stands as one of the largest religious sites due to its significant footfall. Similarly, the bench recognized the prominence of the Shree Saibaba Sansthan as the second most frequented site.

Case title: Sanjay Bhaskarrao Kale vs UOI & Ors