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The Supreme Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Monday, demanding stronger safety measures for tourists in hilly and remote areas. The plea follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local resident.
As per the Supreme Court causelist, a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh will take up the matter on May 5.
The PIL highlights the lack of safety guidelines and emergency support systems for tourists during terror attacks. It argues that tourists in places like Pahalgam are defenceless and easily targeted due to poor security arrangements.
“This is the first time tourists have been killed in such large numbers,” the petition said, stressing that such incidents now pose serious concerns for traveller safety across India’s hill stations and valleys.
The plea noted that remote areas lack regular police movement, unlike cities. This, it claimed, makes tourists vulnerable to attacks. It urged both the Centre and State governments to deploy security forces in tourist spots, especially during peak travel seasons.
It also pointed out the security disparity, stating that VIPs receive round-the-clock protection while common citizens face risks without adequate safeguards.
On Thursday, the top court dismissed another PIL seeking a judicial probe into the Pahalgam attack. Justice Surya Kant criticised the petition, saying such demands could demoralise the armed forces and misinterpret the judiciary’s role.
“This is a sensitive time. Do not file petitions that harm the morale of the forces,” the bench said.
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