Last month, a petition was filed by advocate Datta Mane in the High Court, seeking a direction to the Union and State governments to provide ‘Z-Plus’ security to Pune-based CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII) – Adar Poonawalla, after he reportedly said that he was receiving threats over the supply of vaccine.

Earlier, the Maharashtra Govt told the Bombay High Court that it would provide security to Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), which manufacturers the Covishield vaccine against COVID-19, if he makes a request. On 12th June, 2021, after hearing the statement by the state government, the High Court disposed of the petition seeking better protection for the Pune-based industrialist, stating that the Union Government had already provided ‘Y’ category security to Adar Poonawalla.

Public prosecutor Deepak Thakare told a division bench comprising Justices S S Shinde and N J Jamadar that if Adar Poonawalla sought protection, the State would provide him adequate security.

“We cannot keep entertaining such petitions. In view of the statement made by the prosecutor, we are of the view that this petition can be disposed off,” the Court announced.

The bench also noted that the petitioner was seeking protection for a person who may not even be aware of the plea. These are personal matters. “What if he (Adar Poonawalla) says that he does not want protection or he is not afraid? We cannot go behind the back of people and pass orders,” the court said.