'Don't Demoralise Our Forces': Supreme Court Pulls Up Petitioner Seeking Judicial Probe Into Pahalgam Terror Attack

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the petitioners for seeking a judicial probe into the Pahalgam terror attack which resulted in the death of 26 people, mostly tourists. The top court rejected the public interest litigation (PIL). The bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh said that such a PIL would have a "demoralising" impact on security forces.

The PIL sought directions for the constitution of a judicial commission to probe the Pahalgam massacre. The top court called it an "irresponsible petition" and said that the "sensitivity" of the situation should be considered.

"Be responsible before filing such PIL. You also have some duty towards the country. This is the way you are trying to demoralize the forces in this hour of crisis and juncture? You are asking a retired Supreme Court judge to investigate," Justice Kant stated as reported by Live Law.

"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 added.

He said this is the crucial hour when citizens of this country has joined hands to fight this terrorism. "Don't make any prayer which can demoralise our forces...it is not acceptable to us. Look at the sensitivity of the issue," the judge stated as quoted by the media house.

The PIL was filed by Kashmiri local Junaid Mohammed Junaid and two advocates- Fatesh Kumar Sahu and Vicky Kumar.

On April 22, terrorists opened fire on tourists enjoying at Baisaran meadows near Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. A local pony guide also lost his life in the attack while protecting tourists.

Diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan deteriorated after the attack.