SC Rejects Earthquake Plea: "Should We Shift Everyone to the Moon?"
Supreme Court rejects plea seeking directions on earthquake safety, terming it a policy matter for the government.
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition that sought directions to authorities to minimise damage from earthquakes, noting that 75 percent of India’s population reportedly lives in high seismic zones. The bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, highlighted that such matters fall under the government’s policy domain.
The petitioner, appearing in person, argued that while earlier only Delhi was considered at high risk, recent studies indicate a much larger portion of the population is vulnerable. He cited the recent devastating earthquake in Japan as an example of potential risks India could face.
Responding to the plea, the bench questioned the practicality of the petition, asking, “So we should relocate everyone to the moon or where?” The court further remarked that comparing India to Japan would require volcanic activity to be similar, underlining the differences in geographical and geological conditions.
Also Read: Japan Hit by 6.7-Magnitude Tremor; Tsunami Advisory Issued for Coastal Areas
The petitioner urged the court to direct authorities to make arrangements for disaster mitigation in case of earthquakes. The bench, however, clarified that such preventive and safety measures are the responsibility of the government and administrative authorities, not the judiciary.
Referring to media reports submitted by the petitioner, the bench observed that newspaper reports cannot guide judicial decisions and emphasized that policy formulation and disaster preparedness are executive functions. The court reiterated that it cannot intervene in such administrative matters.
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition, underscoring that earthquake preparedness and risk reduction are policy issues to be addressed by the government. Authorities have been urged to ensure adequate disaster management plans are in place to protect citizens in high-risk zones.
Also Read: Japan Lifts Tsunami Alerts After 7.5-Magnitude Quake Jolts Northern Coast
