In a significant judicial development, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has mandated the restoration of security cover for Katasani Rambhupal Reddy, a six-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Panyam constituency and a prominent leader of the YSR Congress Party. The court's decision came after a thorough examination of the state's abrupt withdrawal of his security detail, which had been in place since 1985, and the subsequent threat perception report that failed to adequately assess the risks to his life.
The case centered around the state's decision to revoke Reddy's 2+2 Personal Security Officers (PSOs) arrangement on July 18, 2024. This withdrawal followed the YSR Congress Party's loss in the state elections, a political shift that Reddy argued heightened the threats against him. He contended that his family's history of political violence—including the brutal daylight murders of his father and six family members while traveling by bus, as well as the killing of his brother by rival factions—necessitated continued security measures. Reddy maintained that the state's decision did not consider these past incidents or the ongoing threats he faced.
In response to Reddy's petition, the state submitted a threat perception report dated April 27, 2025, which concluded that there was no current threat to his life from any individual or group. However, the High Court, presided over by Justice Harinath N, found the report lacking in several critical areas. The court noted that the report failed to address Reddy's specific concerns, particularly the threats he alleged from an individual named M. Rajasekhar. Moreover, the court observed that the Security Review Committee did not appear to have conducted a comprehensive study or objective assessment of Reddy's daily activities and movements, which are essential factors in evaluating threat levels.
Justice Harinath N emphasized that the state's assessment lacked the necessary depth and failed to consider all relevant facts and circumstances. The court highlighted that the report did not demonstrate that the Security Review Committee had undertaken a meticulous evaluation before concluding that there was no threat to Reddy's life. This omission was particularly concerning given the petitioner's history and the political context following the change in government.
The court's decision underscores the importance of thorough and objective threat assessments, especially for individuals with a documented history of political violence and ongoing security concerns. By ordering the restoration of Reddy's security cover, the High Court acknowledged the deficiencies in the state's evaluation process and reinforced the principle that security decisions must be based on comprehensive and unbiased analyses.
This ruling also reflects the judiciary's role in safeguarding individual rights and ensuring that administrative actions, particularly those affecting personal safety, are subject to rigorous scrutiny. The court's intervention serves as a reminder that political changes should not compromise the security of individuals who have legitimate reasons to fear for their safety.
In conclusion, the Andhra Pradesh High Court's directive to reinstate Katasani Rambhupal Reddy's security cover highlights the necessity for meticulous and impartial threat assessments. The court's findings reveal significant shortcomings in the state's approach, emphasizing that decisions impacting personal security must be grounded in comprehensive evaluations that consider all pertinent factors, including historical threats and current political dynamics. This judgment reinforces the judiciary's commitment to upholding the rights and safety of individuals, particularly in politically sensitive contexts.
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