The Supreme Court of India on Thursday firmly declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding a judicial inquiry into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, warning that such interventions could demoralise the armed forces. The apex court, led by Justice Surya Kant, delivered a strong rebuke to the petitioner, citing the “sensitivity” of the situation and urging responsible action in times of national crisis.
“Be responsible before filing such PILs. You have some duty towards your country also. This is the crucial hour when each and every Indian has joined hands to fight terrorism. Don’t demoralise the forces. Look at the sensitivity of the issue,” Justice Surya Kant remarked during the hearing.
Court Emphasises Judicial Limitations in Investigative Matters
The PIL had sought the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the Pahalgam terror attack, carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists in Baisaran valley, which left 26 civilians dead. However, the bench categorically rejected the notion, stating that the judiciary’s role is to adjudicate disputes — not conduct criminal investigations.
“Since when have we acquired expertise of investigation? You are asking a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate. They can only adjudicate. Don’t ask us to pass an order,” the bench stated, dismissing the idea of a judicial commission led by former judges.
Court Reprimands Petitioner Over Additional Demands
The petitioner faced further criticism when he expanded his plea to include requests for guidelines to protect Kashmiri students outside Jammu and Kashmir, compensation, and directions to the Press Council of India. The court, visibly irked, questioned the coherence and seriousness of the plea.
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“Are you sure about the prayer you are making? First you ask a retired Supreme Court judge to probe. They cannot investigate. Then you ask for guidelines, compensation, then directions to press council. You force us to read all these things at night, and now you speak for students,” the court said sharply.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court permitted the petitioner to withdraw the plea, advising that concerns regarding the safety of Kashmiri students could be addressed by approaching the appropriate High Court.
Rising Tensions After Pahalgam Attack
The Pahalgam terror attack, one of the deadliest in Kashmir in recent times, has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. Indian authorities have blamed the massacre on Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists, including two foreign militants and one local operative.
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The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently probing the incident, which has triggered strong political and military responses from New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the armed forces “complete operational freedom” to respond to the attack.
The Supreme Court’s decision not to interfere in the ongoing investigation underlines a broader national consensus on allowing security agencies to act without impediments in this highly sensitive and volatile environment.
