Justice Abdul Nazeer, Lone Muslim In 5-Member Ayodhya Bench, To Get 'Z' Category Security

The Centre has decided to provide 'Z' category security cover to Justice S Abdul Nazeer, one of the judges in the Supreme Court Bench which pronounced the verdict in the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case on November 9. The decision was taken after agencies warned about a threat to him and his family members from the Popular Front of India (PFI) and 'other quarters.'

News agency ANI reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police to provide security to Justice Nazeer and his family.

According to an official communication, security forces and local police will "immediately" provide 'Z' category security to Justice Nazeer and his family members in Karnataka and other parts of the country "in view of the threat from PFI and other quarters, as reported by the security agencies".

'Z' category security available with Karnatka's quota will be given to Justice Nazeer during his visits to Bengaluru, Mangaluru and elsewhere in the state, reads the letter. Similarly, the security will also be extended to his family members residing in Karnataka (Bengaluru and Mangaluru).

As many as 22 personnel of paramilitary and police escort a person with 'Z' category security cover.

Justice Nazeer, the lone Muslim judge in the 5-member Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, which on November 9 delivered a historic verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case, has been one of the most sought after judges in matters involving religion.

Justice Nazeer was also the part of the five-judge bench in the 'triple talaq' matter but had delivered a minority verdict along with then Chief Justice of India JS Khehar