The judges pointed out that the petitioner had been filing similar PILs frequently, which seemed more for publicity than for real public interest.
NEW DELHI: 5th May: On Monday, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that asked the Union Home Ministry and all State governments to take strong safety measures for tourists visiting hill stations and remote areas.
The PIL also requested the deployment of armed forces in places where a large number of tourists gather.
The petition was filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, following the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Tiwari also asked the court to direct the government to set up proper medical facilities in remote and hilly tourist spots so that quick help could be available during emergencies.
However, a Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh showed concern about the motive behind the PIL. The judges pointed out that the petitioner had been filing similar PILs frequently, which seemed more for publicity than for real public interest.
The Bench asked Tiwari sharply:
“Mr. Tiwari, why are you filing the repeated PILs? Who is inciting you?”
Responding to the court, Tiwari said that his petition was only meant to help protect tourists and that he was not trying to target the government.
“My lords it is for tourist protection. We aren’t seeking any directions against the government,” he replied.
But the Bench was not convinced and responded:
“You aren’t understanding the sensitivity of issue.”
Following this remark, Tiwari withdrew his plea. But the Court was critical of his intentions and made a strong observation before dismissing the case.
“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 declared.
In the PIL, Tiwari had also asked the Court to issue directions to ensure the safety and security of the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir.
His petition stated:
“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.”
This is not the first time such a PIL has been dismissed. Earlier, on May 1, the same Supreme Court Bench had refused to entertain a different PIL that asked for a judicial probe led by a retired Supreme Court judge into the same Pahalgam terror attack. That PIL had been filed by Fatesh Sahu, Case Title: FATESH KUMAR SAHU AND ORS. Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., Diary No. 22548-2025
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During that hearing, the Bench had also given a stern warning to the petitioner.
“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 judges had said.The petitioner stated that it was made on behalf of Kashmiri students in other states who might be targeted by terrorists or individuals seeking “revenge” for the deaths of 26 people, mostly civilians, in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.
The petitioner’s concern mirrored that of the Jammu and Kashmir government; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had previously assigned J&K ministers to coordinate with officials in other states to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students and residents.
The court, however, was reluctant to consider the plea, noting that the PIL did not specifically mention students.
The Bench Marked,
“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,”
Justice NK Singh said,
“For prayer regarding students, you can go to the high courts,”
The Bench remarked,
“Are you sure about the prayer you are making. First you ask retired Supreme Court judge to probe. They cannot investigate. Then you ask for guidelines, compensation, then directions to press council. You force us to read all these things at night and now you speak for students,”
The Court also allowed the petitioner the option to approach the relevant High Court to address the issues faced by students from Jammu and Kashmir.
A separate Public Interest Litigation concerning increased security and safety measures in sensitive mountainous states is currently pending before the Court.
The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which tragically claimed the lives of several innocent civilians.
Case Title: VISHAL TIWARI Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 458/2025
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