The Madhya Pradesh High Court disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed seeking the safety of all the visitors who come to the various tourist spots.
The PIL filed by one Sachindra Pandey , sought the following relief :-
“(i) Writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus orany other appropriate Writ, order or direction for taking immediate safety and preventive measures by the respondents/authorities.
(ii) Spread caution and awareness to the visitors/citizens who visit such places and to provide safety gears, compulsory professional life guards/divers, life jackets equipment’s in case of any unfortunate incidents.
(iii) Propose Entry fees of minimum amounts to the popular Visitors/Citizens destinations which are maintained by theState.
(iv) Provide for the right to a safe environment, safety precautions and protective measures all of which are required in accordance with the density of the visitors/Citizens at different Visitors/Citizens places throughout the State.
(v) Provide “DANGER” warning Bill Boards right outside such places mentioning the depth of the water bodies and restriction of taking selfies.
(vi) To set up Tourism Police Stations in the districts and outposts at all potential tourist spots. The Policemen can act as enforcement agents and warn the tourists of the natural dangers and protect them from fringe elements and book cases.
(vii) To ensure various Safety guidelines and protective measures by spreading awareness through Official TourismWebsites, though social media, etc.
(viii) To impose penalties for non-adherence of such Rules And Regulations by the Visitors/Citizens which are imposed by theGovernment.
(ix) Any other Order as the Hon’ble High Court may deem fit and proper in the nature of facts and circumstances of the case be also passed in favour of the petitioner in the interest of the justice.
(x) Cost of the present petition.
(xi) Any other relief which this Hon’ble Court found be given in the facts and circumstances of the case.”
The Additional Advocate General who appeared for the respondents/Statesubmitted that every effort is being made by the State in order to ensure the safety of its citizens especially on the issues raised by the petitioner.
That caution and awareness is being disseminated to the visitors who come to the various tourist spots. That danger boards have been provided in most places.
That there are policemen and other personnel to advise the tourists to be careful in such areas. However, due to en flux of time the said boards and warnings require to be updated now and then.
Therefore, the Additional Advocate General assures the Court that all that is necessary in the said regard would be undertaken by the State. That they will ensure that the lives of the citizens are adequately protected. That the warningand all such measures would be taken by the State to ensure that no untoward incident occurs due to the fault of the State.
In view of the aforesaid, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Ravi Malimath and Justice Vishal Mishra disposed the petition.