New Delhi: The Supreme Court, on Monday, refused to entertain a petition seeking improved safety and health measures for tourists in areas prone to terrorist attacks in India. The petition was filed after the deadly terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, causing the death of 26 persons, mostly tourists from across the country.
The bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N K Singh rapped the petitioner for not understanding the sensitivity of the matter and said the plea was primarily aimed at obtaining publicity, with no intent to serve the public cause.
“What is your purpose and motive (for filing such a petition)? You aren’t understanding the sensitivity of the issue,” Justice Kant told the petitioner, who said that he was concerned about the safety of the tourists.
“The petitioner is indulging in one of those purported PILs, which are primarily aimed at publicity with no intention to serve the public cause,” the court said.
Earlier, the Apex Court had rebuked petitioners for filing a PIL over the Pahalgam terror attack and said that the “sensitivity” of the issue should have been looked into before filing such a plea.
The Court had then refused to entertain a PIL seeking judicial probe into the Pahalgam attack. The bench had berated the petitioners for filing an “irresponsible petition” despite the sensitivity of the situation, and underlined the “demoralising” impact it could have on security forces.
“Be responsible before filing such PILs. You have some duty towards the country also. Is this the way you want to demoralise the security forces? Since when have we acquired expertise of investigation? You are asking retired SC judge to investigate. They can only adjudicate. Don’t ask us to pass an order,” Justice Surya Kant had said.
The Pahalgam attack has led to a diplomatic and military stand-off between India and Pakistan. Investigations so far have revealed that the attack was masterminded in Pakistan. The strike was also led by Pakistani terrorists, it has come to light.
