The
Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation
(PIL) seeking a judicial inquiry into the recent terror attack in Pahalgam,
stating that such actions could "demoralise" security forces at a
crucial time.
Slamming
the petitioners, the court said the petitioners should have considered the
sensitivity of the matter before moving the court.
"Be
responsible before filing such PILs. You have some duty towards your country
also. This is the crucial hour when each and every Indian has joined hands to
fight terrorism. Don’t demoralise the forces. Look at the sensitivity of the
issue," Justice Surya Kant told the petitioners.
The petition had called for the formation of a
judicial commission to probe the terror strike in the Baisaran Valley area of
Pahalgam, where 26 people, mostly tourists, lost their lives.
Rejecting
the plea, the Supreme Court questioned the logic of involving retired judges in
investigation roles.
“Since
when have we acquired expertise of investigation? You are asking a retired
Supreme Court judge to investigate. They can only adjudicate. Don’t ask us to
pass an order,” Justice Kant said.
The
petitioner he requested directions to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students
studying outside Jammu and Kashmir, claiming that they were facing attacks in
the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident.
To
this, the Bench said, "Are you sure about the prayer you are making? First
you ask a retired Supreme Court judge to probe. They cannot investigate. Then
you ask for guidelines, compensation, then directions to Press Council. You
force us to read all these things at night, and now you speak for
students."
While
allowing the petitioner to withdraw the PIL, the top court suggested that the
grievances concerning students from Jammu and Kashmir could be addressed by the
relevant high court.