‘Don't Demoralise Forces’: SC Raps Pahalgam Petitioners

The Supreme Court on Thursday slapped down a plea for a judicial probe into the Pahalgam attack and made sharp notes as it did so, including asking if the petitioners - Fatesh Kumar Shahu, Mohammad Junaid, and Vicky Kumar-wanted to "demoralise the forces" before a possible military response.

"Be responsible before filing such PILs. You also have some duty towards your country. 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 said.

The petition sought the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the attack by Paksitan-based terrorists in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley that left 26 dead. The court said the task of judges was to decide on disputes and not conduct inquiries. "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," the court said while berating the petitioner.

The petitioner was again pulled up by the court after he sought directions to protect Kashmiri students studying outside J&K. The petitioner claimed that Kashmiri students were being attacked after the Pahalgam attack.

"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, and directions to press council. You force us to read all these things at night, and now you speak for students," the court said. While allowing the withdrawal of the plea, the top court said the petitioner could approach the concerned High Court over the issues faced by students from J&K.