SC dismisses plea for judicial probe into Pahalgam terror attack, warns against demoralising forces

The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, rebuked the petitioner, lawyer Hatesh Kumar Sahu, for his “irresponsible” move, asserting that such actions only serve to demoralise the armed forces during a critical moment when the nation is united against terrorism.

The bench questioned the merit of the plea, which called for an investigation by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge. The court asked pointedly, “Since when have retired judges become investigators?” adding that judges are adjudicators, not forensic experts. It further stressed that the judiciary must not be dragged into operational matters best handled by investigative and security agencies.

The petitioner clarified that his intent was to raise safety concerns, especially for students in Jammu and Kashmir, as several victims of the Pahalgam attack were civilians and tourists from other parts of India. Acknowledging his submission, the bench allowed him to withdraw the plea but permitted him to approach the concerned High Court only on the limited issue of student security.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, echoed the court’s concern, warning that such pleas should not be entertained even at the High Court level without clear focus and responsibility. The Supreme Court also reiterated its earlier resolution, condemning the Pahalgam attack as a “diabolical act” that violates humanity and the values of life.

The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a Pakistan-backed proxy outfit, left 26 civilians dead and 15 injured in Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam. The incident, among the worst in Kashmir in recent years, shook the nation and was widely condemned by the judiciary and legal community across the country.