New Delhi, May 1, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India, on Thursday, declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought a judicial investigation led by a retired Supreme Court judge into the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives on April 22, 2025. The Court emphasized that such petitions risk demoralizing security forces at a time when the nation is united in its fight against terrorism.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh sharply criticized the petitioner, lawyer Hatesh Kumar Sahu, for filing what it termed an “irresponsible” plea. The PIL requested the formation of a judicial commission to probe the attack at Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist destination in Anantnag district, where terrorists opened fire, killing 26 civilians, mostly tourists, and injuring 15 others.
Justice Kant questioned the petitioner’s rationale, stating, “Since when have retired High Court or Supreme Court judges become experts in investigating terrorism? Judges are meant to adjudicate disputes, not conduct inquiries.” The bench further cautioned that such pleas could undermine the morale of security forces actively combating terrorism. “This is a time when every citizen must join hands to fight terror. Be responsible before filing such PILs,” the Court remarked.
The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, echoed the Court’s sentiments, arguing that entertaining such petitions could weaken national resolve during a crisis. He urged that even high courts should refrain from admitting similar pleas.
During the hearing, sensing the Court’s reluctance, the petitioner attempted to pivot the plea toward seeking protection for Kashmiri students studying outside Jammu and Kashmir, alleging they faced backlash following the attack. However, the bench remained unimpressed, advising the petitioner to withdraw the PIL or face dismissal. The Court ultimately allowed the withdrawal but granted liberty to approach the appropriate high court if needed.
The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in the region in recent years, was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The incident has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing to pursue the perpetrators “to the ends of the earth.” The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has since taken over the probe, with its Director General, Sadanand Date, visiting the attack site on Thursday.
The PIL also sought directions for the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir administration, CRPF, NIA, and other authorities to formulate an action plan to ensure the safety of tourists in the valley’s sensitive areas. However, the Court expressed satisfaction with the government’s ongoing efforts and declined to intervene.
