The Allahabad High Court recently urged the armed forces to use "light words" instead of harsh warnings on signboards outside military installations. Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, presiding over a case involving a Nepali citizen who illegally entered an Air Force station, expressed concern about the impact of messages like "dekhte hi goli maar di jayegi" (will be shot on sight) on passersby, especially children.
The court suggested using alternative phrases like "strict action would be taken" to convey the same message without causing undue alarm. While acknowledging the need for security measures to prevent trespassing, the court emphasized that such direct language could be avoided.
During the hearing, the Air Force informed the court that despite various security arrangements, trespassing incidents were on the rise. It also revealed that messages like "trespassers will be shot" were displayed outside Army and Air Force installations across the country.
The court, while granting bail to the accused Nepali citizen, impleaded the Central government as a party to the case to examine the measures taken to prevent unlawful intrusions into defense land.
This ruling could lead to a change in the language used on military signboards nationwide, reflecting a more considerate approach towards public sensitivities. The court's intervention underscores the importance of balancing security concerns with a mindful approach to communication, particularly in public spaces.
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Official Secrets Act (OSA) are the primary legal frameworks dealing with trespassing and unauthorized access to defence installations in India. The IPC includes provisions for punishment of trespass (Section 441) and criminal trespass (Section 442), while the OSA deals with offenses related to espionage and unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information.
