LAW FOR ALL

the yatra to the ‘Holy Cave of Amarnath’ is an occasion of privilege and pride for a devotee, there it is also a matter of great concern for the Government of India, the Government of the State of Jammu & Kashmir and the Amarnath Shrine Board. Some of the events that have been widely reported in the newspapers compel us to take a judicial notice of the lack of necessary facilities, essential amenities and the risk to the lives of the yatris, en route and around the “Holy Cave of Amarnath”. = The walking track/passages should be widened and railing and retaining walls be provided. The extent of width of the passage and manner of providing the railing (thick iron cables supported by wooden blocks or cement and stone) shall be in the discretion of the Sub-Committee afore-constituted. But, we make it clear that width of no passage shall be less than 12 feet, particularly, that of the track leading from Panchtarni to the Holy Shrine. Before we part with the file, we express a pious hope that this judgment shall serve a larger public purpose. It will provide a fair opportunity to the pilgrims to complete their yatra to the Holy Cave with human dignity, safety to their lives and with basic amenities being provided to them. We have no doubt in our mind that the State of Jammu and Kashmir and the Shrine Board shall endeavour their best to implement this judgment in its true spirit and substance in the larger interest of public as well as to uphold the rule of law.