New Delhi, August 11:The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed the Central government to immediately provide an additional Personal Security Officer (PSO) to Bihar Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, pending a decision on his plea seeking enhanced security cover.

Justice Manoj Jain said the additional security arrangement would remain in place until the government takes a decision on Yadav’s representation seeking an increase in his security.

The Court observed that Yadav’s security concerns should be taken seriously, particularly as he is a sitting Member of Parliament and an incident had already occurred despite the existing security arrangements.

“There is something significant. He is the sitting MP. You boost his security,” the Court remarked, noting that an incident had taken place despite the security measures already in place.

The direction came during the hearing of Yadav’s petition seeking Central security cover in Delhi as well as across the country.

Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for Yadav, told the Court that the MP had been facing repeated threats and attacks. He submitted that although the government was considering Yadav’s request for enhanced security, immediate interim protection was necessary.

Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish Dixit informed the Court that security arrangements had already been made and that the government would soon take a decision on Yadav’s representation.

The Court, however, asked the government counsel to obtain instructions on further strengthening Yadav’s security as an interim measure.

According to Yadav’s petition, he currently enjoys Y+ security cover in Bihar but has sought protection in Delhi and other parts of the country, citing his parliamentary responsibilities and an alleged increase in threats to his life.