India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted 'Y+' category security to actor Vijay, who launched his political party called the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in 2024.
So how does the government decide what the security threat to a person is and what do the different security categories entail?
The decision is taken based on threat assessments submitted to the government by the Intelligence Bureau.
Replying to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on July 26, 2016, then Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said, "The main criterion for providing security to VIPs is the threat perception emanating from terrorists/militant/fundamentalist outfits and organised criminal gangs or public office held by them."
So how does the government decide? Noting that it has received a large number of requests from individuals seeking security cover, the Minister had said, "All such requests are examined in consultation with the central security agencies, who carry out an assessment of threat and give their recommendations. Based on the same, decisions are taken to provide central security or request the state government concerned to take necessary action."
At the top, above the 'Z+' category is 'SPG' or the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is exclusively granted to the Indian Prime Minister and the families of former PMs for a few years after their term ends.
The other categories
The 'Z+' category is considered only second to SPG cover and involves over 30 personnel for security, posted at the person's residence or who travel along with them.
This is followed by the 'Z' category, which includes around 20 security personnel. Both these categories are also entitled to one escort car besides other privileges.
This is followed by 'Y+' security, which which includes gunmen for mobile security besides security personnel posted at the person's residence. The Chief Ministers of states generally fall under this category, barring a few exceptions.
The 'X' category of security entails a cover of one personal security officer (PSO), besides a few other privileges.