Chandigarh: The Haryana Police has introduced a new security policy under which individuals deemed financially capable will be required to pay for personal police protection. According to the latest regulations, only those earning over Rs 3 lakh per month or owning assets exceeding Rs 3 crore (excluding their primary residence) will be considered eligible for police security on a mandatory payment basis. Others may still request protection voluntarily but must bear the associated costs.
Financial Assessment and Payment Guidelines
The policy establishes a framework for determining an applicant’s financial capacity. Assessments will be conducted by the offices of the ADGP CID, Police Commissioner, or Superintendent of Police (SP). Documentation reviewed may include:
- Income Tax Returns
- Asset Statements
- Balance Sheets
- Reports from various government and revenue authorities
The cost of manpower and other services will be calculated according to guidelines issued by the Haryana Home Department.
If a police vehicle is provided for protection, applicants must cover operational and maintenance costs, as well as the driver’s salary. Additionally, a monthly overhead charge of Rs 12,000 per security personnel will apply to cover administrative and logistical expenses. Applicants must deposit an advance amount equivalent to three months’ cost, along with a bank guarantee for another three months to secure these payments.
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Provision for High-Threat Individuals
The policy does allow for exceptions in cases of high-risk threats. If intelligence reports indicate a grave and imminent danger to life, security may be provided free of charge for a limited period of three months, subject to further review. This ensures protection for individuals in urgent situations who are unwilling or unable to pay.
Three Categories of Security Under the Policy
The new regulations categorize security into three distinct types:
- Positional Security: Provided to official office holders in government or statutory positions.
- Threat-Based Security: Allocated based on assessed danger to the individual’s life.
- Payment-Based Security: Protection offered to financially capable individuals, with costs recovered directly from them.
Policy Placed Before Punjab and Haryana High Court
These security guidelines were brought to light during a petition filed by senior INLD leader and former MLA Abhay Chautala, who requested Z-plus security cover for himself and his family.
During the hearing, SP (Security-1, CID, Haryana) Lokender Singh submitted the regulations before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, explaining that:
- Security for financially capable applicants shall ordinarily be provided on a payment basis
- Financial assessment is conducted through formal verification of income, assets, and other records
- Free security is limited to cases where threat levels are extreme
The regulations were framed on August 12, 2024, under the Haryana Police Act 2007, following directions in the case of Rajan Kapur versus State of Haryana.
Implications and Public Reaction
The new policy has generated debate over the financial criteria for accessing state-provided security, raising questions about equity, accessibility, and the responsibilities of the state towards high-risk individuals who may not meet the financial threshold.
Supporters argue the measure ensures efficient allocation of police resources, while critics contend that security is a basic right for all individuals under threat, regardless of wealth.
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