The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply rebuked a petitioner seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly civilians.
As the plea was mentioned before the bench, Justice Surya Kant questioned the petitioner’s intent, asking, “Is this the way you want to demoralise our forces?” The court underscored that the judiciary is not equipped to oversee sensitive counter-terrorism investigations. “Since when did Supreme Court judges become experts in these matters?” Justice Kant asked sternly.
The petitioner, representing concerns of Kashmiri students in other states, argued that the plea aimed to prevent backlash against innocent civilians in the wake of the attack, which has been claimed by a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot. However, the bench observed that the PIL made no specific reference to students or their safety.
Justice NK Singh suggested the petitioner approach relevant High Courts instead. “For prayer regarding students, you can go to the high courts,” he said, emphasizing that this was not the appropriate forum for the plea.
The court ultimately allowed the petitioner to withdraw the PIL, granting liberty to approach the High Court on student safety issues. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed even this, warning against judicial intervention during a sensitive security situation.
The ruling comes as the nation reels from the deadliest attack in the Valley in recent years. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir government has already deployed ministers to coordinate with other states for the protection of Kashmiri residents.
The Supreme Court’s reaction underscores the judiciary’s reluctance to intervene in ongoing security matters, especially in times of heightened national sensitivity.
