The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on a PIL seeking a judicial commission to investigate the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, calling the plea irresponsible and ill-conceived.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh refused to entertain the petition and criticised the intent behind it. “Be responsible. You owe some duty towards the country. Is this the way… Please don’t do this. Since when has a retired High Court or Supreme Court judge become an expert to investigate such issues (terrorism)? We’re not entertaining anything. Please go wherever you want to go,” remarked Justice Surya Kant, expressing strong disapproval.

The court was hearing the PIL that had demanded the setting up of a commission headed by a retired judge to probe the deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 lives were lost in a brutal act of terrorism. The plea had stirred controversy for its timing and nature, prompting sharp words from the bench.

Highlighting the national sentiment and unity in the wake of the terror strike, Justice Surya Kant further said, “This is the crucial hour when each and every citizen of this country has joined hands to fight terrorism. Don’t make any prayer that can demoralise a person. Look at the sensitivity of the issue.”

Realising the bench's firm stance, the counsel representing the petitioner eventually sought permission to withdraw the plea, which the court allowed without further comment.

The April 22 attack in Pahalgam has led to a massive national outcry, with counter-terror operations ongoing in the region. The Centre has also roped in top investigative agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to probe the incident.