The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Delhi Police to provide protection to a lawyer, who has claimed that he has been receiving threat calls and SMSs from gangster Ravi Pujari for defending terror suspects, including Indian Mujahideen co-founder Yasin Bhatkal in court cases. “Provide security to the petitioner (MS Khan),” a Bench of Justice Pratibha Rani told the counsel appearing for the Delhi Police.
During the proceedings, the court was informed that the alleged threat calls received by the criminal lawyer could not be matched for want of the samples. Police, meanwhile, told the court that it has been taking steps to ensure protection of the lawyer.
Earlier, the court had sought responses from the city police and the Ministry of Home Affairs on the plea of Khan who moved the HC after being asked by the apex court. The threat was against the fundamental right to personal life and liberty of the person who is also a respected member of the bar, the plea said. The counsel for Khan claimed that the threat call, which emanated from Australia, has been routed through Iran as has been the case with some Bollywood celebrities like Salman Khan who has also received similar threats from Pujari.
“Issue an appropriate writ, order or directions or directing respondents... To investigate the matter on the complaints... And ensure safety and
security of the petitioner and his family,” the plea said.