Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday stepped in firmly, directing the Maharashtra government to take a clear decision within 10 days on a plea seeking police protection for Zeeshan Siddique, son of slain Congress leader and former MLA Baba Siddique. The court’s intervention comes amid serious concerns over threat perception and the controversial scaling down of his security cover following his father’s murder last year.
A division bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and R.R. Bhonsale issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by Baba Siddique’s widow, Shehzeen Ziauddin Siddique. The petition seeks the transfer of the murder investigation to an “independent and impartial agency,” raising doubts over the manner in which the case is being handled.
During earlier hearings, the High Court had expressed unease over the reduction in Zeeshan Siddique’s security, observing that there appeared to be “some mala fide” behind the decision. Taking note of the sensitivity and complexity of the matter, the bench had asked Advocate General Milind Sathe to assist the court.
Zeeshan Siddique, in his application, stated that before his father was shot dead on October 12, 2024, he was provided Y+ category security, which included seven armed personnel, an escort vehicle, and a driver. However, after he approached the court, his security was drastically reduced to just two police constables. The state government denied any link between the court proceedings and the reduction, maintaining that the decision had been taken earlier as part of a routine review.
Appearing for the state, Advocate General Sathe informed the court that a 2018 government resolution empowers a four-member Home Department committee to decide matters related to police protection. He assured the bench that Zeeshan Siddique’s fresh representation would be examined without delay.
Senior advocate Pradeep Gharat, representing the petitioner, argued that the threat to Zeeshan Siddique was real and ongoing. He told the court that multiple threats had been received after Baba Siddique’s death, including a threatening email on August 1 that was verified by the police. Emphasising the gravity of the situation, Gharat urged the court to ensure a time-bound decision to prevent any lapse in security.
After examining original files related to threat assessment and review committee proceedings, the bench noted that the threat perception had been reviewed in April 2025 and subsequently reassessed at regular intervals. Still, the court stressed the need for accountability and urgency, making it clear that the state cannot delay a decision in a matter involving life and security.
