Would provide security to Adar Poonawalla if he asks: Maharashtra govt to Bombay High Court

SII CEO Adar Poonawalla. File Pic

The Maharashtra government on Friday told the Bombay High Court that it would provide security to Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII) which manufacturers the Covishield vaccine against Covid-19, if he makes a request.

The Union government has already provided 'Y' category CRPF protection to Poonawalla.

Also Read: Serum Institute's CEO Adar Poonawalla to get 'Y' category security

After the government's statement, the court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation seeking better protection for the Pune-based industrialist.

The HC was hearing a petition filed by advocate Datta Mane, seeking a direction to the Union and state governments to provide 'Z-plus' security to Poonawalla after he reportedly said that he was receiving threats over the supply of vaccine.

Public prosecutor Deepak Thakare told a division bench of Justices S S Shinde and N J Jamadar that if Poonawalla sought protection, the state government would provide him adequate security.

"We cannot keep entertaining such petitions. In view of the statement made by the prosecutor, we are of the view that this petition can be disposed of," the court said.

The bench also noted that the petitioner was seeking protection for a person who may not even be aware of the plea. "These are personal matters. What if he (Poonawalla) says that he does not want protection or he is not afraid. We cannot go behind the back of people and pass orders," the court said.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.