The Indian Supreme Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a judicial inquiry into the April 22 Pahalgam attack, sharply criticizing the petitioner for what it called an “irresponsible” move during a time of national crisis.
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh rebuked advocate Hatesh Kumar Sahu, who had filed the petition, warning that such actions could demoralize security forces currently engaged in counterterrorism operations.
“This is a crucial hour when every citizen must stand united against terrorism,” the bench remarked. “Don’t demoralise our forces by filing such petitions. You owe a responsibility to the country—this is not the way to fulfill it.”
Sahu had requested a judicial probe into the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians, including tourists, were killed and about 15 others injured. He argued that his concern stemmed from the safety of students and civilians.
The court, however, questioned the rationale of involving retired judges in criminal investigations, stating: “Since when have retired Supreme Court and high court judges become experts in investigating crimes? Judges resolve disputes, they do not conduct investigations.”
The bench advised Sahu to withdraw his petition, noting that it was neither appropriate nor constructive. Sahu clarified that he had no intention to undermine the morale of the armed forces and agreed to withdraw the plea.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, also opposed the petition, arguing that such matters are not suitable for judicial intervention at this level and should not even be entertained by high courts.
The court granted Sahu permission to raise concerns regarding student safety through proper legal channels in the appropriate high court, while firmly rejecting the idea of a judicial investigation into the terror incident.
The Supreme Court and various legal bodies have already condemned the Pahalgam attack. In a rare full-court resolution, all sitting judges of the Supreme Court described the massacre as a “diabolical act of mindless violence” and an “affront to humanity,” expressing collective grief and outrage.
