Supreme Court Rejects PIL Demanding Judicial Inquiry into Pahalgam Terror Attack, Warns Against Demoralizing Armed Forces

On May 1, 2025, the Supreme Court of India dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 27 people, including tourists.

The bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh strongly criticized the petition, calling it “irresponsible” and cautioned that such litigation could negatively affect the morale of the nation’s security forces during a time of crisis.

Justice Surya Kant remarked:
“Be responsible before filing such PIL. You have some duty towards the country also. This is the way you are trying to demoralize the forces in this hour of crisis and juncture? You are asking retired Supreme Court judge to investigate. Since when retired High Court, Supreme Court judges have become expert in investigation? Tell us, since when we have required this expertise of investigation? We only decide disputes. Don’t ask us to pass an order.”

He further emphasized:
“This is not the time. This is the crucial hour when each and every citizen of this country has joined hands to fight this terrorism…don’t make any prayer which can demoralize our forces…it is not acceptable to us. Look at sensitivity of the issue.”

The petition was filed by Junaid Mohd Junaid, a Kashmiri native, along with advocates Fatesh Kumar Sahu and Vicky Kumar. Their plea also called for mandatory minimum security standards at popular tourist destinations in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and requested the Press Council of India to ensure responsible media coverage to avoid societal unrest.

Following the stern observations from the bench, the petitioners opted to withdraw the PIL. The Court permitted this and allowed them the liberty to approach the concerned High Court on the matter of safety and rights of J&K students studying outside the Union Territory.