NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a PIL seeking directives to the Centre and states to implement safety measures for tourists in hill and remote areas, including the deployment of armed forces at popular tourist spots.
Terming the PIL as 'publicity interest litigation', the two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh, questioned the intent behind the petition. They asked the petitioner, Vishal Tiwari, "What is your purpose? What is your motive? Who is inciting you to file this kind of PILs?"
Tiwari, appearing in person, responded, "This is only for the safety [of the public]."
Justice Kant then questioned him further, "You didn’t understand any sensitivity? You did not realise your responsibility? You want to become the second member of this Bar known for these kinds of PILs?"
Answering the court’s queries, Tiwari clarified, "We are not claiming any directions against the Government." However, the bench pressed him further, asking, "Please read. On what basis are you verifying this ground?"
Tiwari argued that this was a serious and unprecedented incident. "This is the first instance, my lord, when tourists have been targeted. We are only focused on their safety and nothing else," he said.
However, the court remained unconvinced and warned Tiwari, "I think you are inviting some order with exemplary costs."
Ultimately, the court dismissed the petition, noting that the petitioner was indulging in one or the other purported PILs aimed primarily at gaining publicity, with no genuine intent to serve the public cause.
The PIL filed by Tiwari also sought directions for ensuring the safety and security of the upcoming Amarnath yatra in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, Tiwari's plea called for the provision of proper medical facilities at tourist destinations, especially in remote hilly and valley areas, to ensure prompt medical aid during emergencies.
The plea sought a direction for the establishment of a special force to be assigned for this purpose.
The PIL stated that, for the first time, so many tourists were allegedly attacked in one go in Jammu & Kashmir, highlighting a laxity on the part of the administration in providing safety and security to tourists.
"The UN organisation counter-terrorism wing has a set of guidelines for the protection of tourists. That is not being followed by India," the plea said.
Tiwari argued that tourists were easy targets for terrorist activities, adding that the economy of most North Indian states heavily depends on the tourism sector, as a large number of tourists visit during the summer season.
"The terrorist attacks may reduce and impact the economy. It becomes important to take safety measures for the protection of tourists. It is coming out that in the Pahalgam attack, there were no any kind of security arrangements despite of the fact that it is a sensitive area. There shall be some sort of armed security in such places, remote areas where tourists gather for sightseeing and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and nature. By such measures only we can protect the tourists from terrorists attacks," he further added.
Tiwari alleged that the VIP always remain under protection throughout in our country. "When they travel in any road, the traffic is blocked for citizens. A lot of security personnel are deployed in VIP's security. But the common people always suffer," he stated in his PIL.