Indian SC dismisses plea for judicial probe into Pahalgam incident

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) calling for a judicial inquiry into the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, sharply criticizing the petitioner for potentially undermining national unity during a time of crisis.

A two-judge bench led by Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh rebuked advocate Hatesh Kumar Sahu, who had filed the plea, emphasizing that such petitions risk demoralizing the armed forces who are working relentlessly to combat terrorism.

“This is a critical moment when every citizen must stand united against terrorism. Please don’t demoralise our forces with such filings,” the bench stated.

It questioned the logic behind requesting an investigation by a retired judge, pointing out that judicial officers are not trained investigators. “Since when have retired judges become investigation experts?” the court asked.

The plea sought an independent judicial probe into the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including tourists, and injured 15 others. The petitioner cited concerns for the safety of civilians and students.

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While Sahu clarified that his intent was not to undermine the forces, the court advised him to withdraw the petition, which he agreed to do. However, the court allowed him to raise specific issues regarding student safety before the appropriate high court.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, also opposed the petition, stating that such cases fall outside the purview of judicial inquiry and should not be entertained.

In solidarity with the victims, the Supreme Court had earlier passed a full court resolution, denouncing the Pahalgam attack as a “diabolical act of mindless violence” and an “affront to humanity.”

The resolution expressed deep grief, especially over the targeting of innocent tourists in Kashmir — described as the “Crown Jewel of India.”