[Spanish Tourist's Rape] Steps Taken Towards Establishing Safety For Tourists & Foreign Travelers, SOP Imminent: Advocate General Tells Jharkhand High Court

In the ongoing case concerning the sexual assault of a 45-year-old Spanish tourist near Dumka, Jharkhand, the state's Advocate General has informed the Court that steps are underway to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at ensuring the safety of tourists, particularly foreign travellers.

The court had previously directed the state government to clarify whether SOPs had been established to assist foreign tourists visiting the state.

The court led by Acting Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Navneet Kumar, observed,“The learned Advocate General states that certain steps have been taken and very soon a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) shall be laid down for ensuring safety of tourist particularly foreign travelers.”

“The learned Advocate General has indicated different letters issued by the Director General of Police to apprise the Court that several steps in the past were also taken for prevention of crimes against women,” the Court added.

During the proceedings, Advocate Piyush Chitresh, the assisting counsel to the Advocate General, submitted a compilation of documents to the court, which were duly recorded.

Similarly, Advocate Ishika Tulsyan, assisting counsel to the Amicus, Ritu Kumar, provided statistics on foreign national tourists and crimes against foreigners, along with the Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism.

Both the assisting counsels have requested additional time to review the data and materials presented in court.

Consequently, the matter has been adjourned to 02nd April 2024 for further hearing.

Appearance:

For the Petitioner: Mrs. Ritu Kumar, Amicus Ms. Ishika Tulsyan, AC to Amicus Mrs. Shatakshi, Advocate

For the State: Mr. Rajiv Ranjan, AG, Mr. Ashutosh Anand, AAG-III Mr. Piyush Chitresh, AC to AG

Case Title: The Court on its own motion Versus The State of Jharkhand and Others

Case No.: WP(PIL) No. 1227 of 2024

Click Here To Read Order