Pahalgam Attack: Supreme Court Dismisses PIL On Tourist Safety, Cautions Petitioner Against 'Publicity-Oriented' Litigation
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari seeking directions to ensure safety measures for tourists visiting hilly and remote destinations during the summer season.
The Court, however, came down heavily on the petitioner, terming the plea as an attempt to gain publicity.
A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh took strong exception to the filing of what it described as “purported PILs” lacking substance and seriousness.
Justice Surya Kant remarked, “Mr. Tiwari, last time also we advised you. Please don’t try to… What is your purpose? What is your motive? Who is inciting you to file this kind of PILs?”
When the petitioner, appearing in person, submitted that the plea was purely focused on ensuring safety of tourists, Justice Kant retorted, “You want to be the second member of the Bar known for these kinds of PILs. You don’t understand any sensitivity? You don’t realise your responsibility?”
The Bench further warned that the petitioner appeared to be inviting an order imposing exemplary costs for misusing the PIL jurisdiction.
Despite the petitioner’s attempt to justify the plea as being limited to safety concerns, the Court was not convinced.
In its order, the Court observed, “The petitioner is indulging in one or the other purported PILs, which are primarily aimed to gain publicity, with no intent to serve the cause. Dismissed.”
About the PIL
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL), filed through Advocate Vishal Tiwari, raised grave concerns over the lack of preparedness, awareness, and protective infrastructure in tourist hotspots vulnerable to terrorist attacks. It emphasized the urgent need for a national-level safety framework, including awareness programs and emergency response guidelines to protect unarmed civilians.
"Recent terrorist attack on Tuesday in Pahalgaon, Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorist targeted the tourists and opened fire and killed around 28 persons and several injured. The attack targeted tourists in Pahalgam, which lies about 90 kilometers (55 miles) by road from the key city of Srinagar. The terrorists targeted the tourists who were enjoying on a place in Pahalgaon by sitting and eating. And it was an easy target for the terrorists, as the innocent people unarmed and without any security, were found, and than terrorists attacked them and started killing. The government and security forces will bring justice," the PIL stated.