Publicity interest: Supreme Court rejects PIL for more security in hill States after Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking directions to the Union Home Ministry and the States to take safety measures for the protection of tourists visiting hill States and remote places, and to deploy armed forces in places where tourists gather in large numbers..The petition filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari in the wake of the recent terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam also sought directions to establish proper medical facilities in tourist places, especially the remote hilly and valley areas, so that there can be prompt medical aid at the time of any emergency situation..A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh took exception to the petitioner filing repeated PILs for publicity. "Mr. Tiwari, why are you filing the repeated PILs? Who is inciting you," the Bench asked.Tiwari said that the petition is to ensure protection to tourists and not an adversarial matter against the government."My lords it is for tourist protection. We aren't seeking any directions against the government," he stated. "You aren't understanding the sensitivity of issue," the Court remarked.Tiwari then sought permission to withdraw the plea."The petitioner is indulging in one or the other purported PILs which are primarily aimed at publicity with no intention to serve public cause. Dismissed," the Court stated..Why are you filing the repeated PILs? Who is inciting you?Supreme Court.The petitioner also sought directions to ensure safety and security of the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir."The economy of the most of the North Indian states mainly depends upon the tourism sector as the large number of tourists Visit during summer season. The terrorists attacks may reduce and impact the economy of the sector. It becomes very important to take safety measures for the protection of tourists. It is coming out that in pahalgaon attack there 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 sight scene and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and nature. By such measures only we can protect the tourists from terrorists attacks," the plea said. .The Supreme Court had on May 1 refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking a judicial probe by a retired Supreme Court judge into the recent Pahalgam terror attack.The same Bench of Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh had cautioned the petitioner in that case, one Fatesh Sahu, not to demoralise the armed forces during such a time."This is the crucial hour when each and every Indian have joined hands to fight terrorism. Don't demoralise the forces. Look at the sensitivity of the issue," the Bench said.