In a strong message of condemnation, the Supreme Court of India denounced the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. The attack, which led to the death of 28 individuals—mostly tourists, with one local among the deceased—was described by the Court as a “cowardly terrorist attack” and “an affront to the values of humanity.”
A resolution passed unanimously by the Full Court expressed deep sorrow, stating that the “diabolical act of mindless violence” had shaken the collective conscience of the nation. It further read, “The Supreme Court of India pays its respectful tribute to the innocent lives brutally and prematurely lost. Our heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”
Supreme Court condemns the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. pic.twitter.com/MRMSo8MCzX
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 23, 2025
The resolution also remarked on the symbolic nature of the attack, targeting tourists who were simply enjoying the natural beauty of Kashmir, and emphasised that it stood as a stark reminder of the brutality that terrorism entails. As a mark of solidarity, the Judges, lawyers, and Registry staff observed a two-minute silence at 2 pm today.
Supreme Court to observe two minutes’ silence to pay tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. pic.twitter.com/dYuNv3cRBK
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 23, 2025
Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) stands in solidarity
Joining the chorus of condemnation, the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) also passed a resolution decrying the attack. The Association expressed solidarity with the victims and the people of Jammu & Kashmir, stating, “It is our earnest prayer that peace, unity, and harmony prevail, so that our nation continues to progress in strength and brotherhood.”
Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association passes resolution condemning the heinous terrorist attack at Pahalgam. pic.twitter.com/f6ptbfKjRH
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 23, 2025
To honour the victims, nearly 300 advocates gathered at the Supreme Court lawns wearing white ribbons. The assembly served as both a solemn tribute and a symbolic act of unity against terror.
Lawyers gather in #SupremeCourtofIndia lawns to condemn #PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/yMm1G7djQ0
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 23, 2025
Jammu and Kashmir legal fraternity calls for mourning and protest
In a significant gesture of protest and mourning, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association (JKHCBA), Srinagar, strongly condemned the terrorist assault, calling it a “cowardly and barbaric attack” on innocent civilians and tourists. The Association announced a complete shutdown of judicial work across the High Court at Srinagar and all subordinate courts and tribunals on April 23.
Advocate Waseem Gul, President of JKHCBA, spoke to the Tribune and expressed profound sorrow and described the incident as an “unforgivable act of violence” that had no place in a civilised society. He stated, “We denounce this brutal assault on innocent lives, which seeks to disrupt the peace and harmony of Jammu and Kashmir. The legal fraternity stands united in condemning this barbarity.”
The Jammu wing of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association also announced a complete suspension of court work on April 23 in solidarity with the victims. Bar President K. Nirmal Kotwal released a statement affirming the Association’s support: “We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery for the injured.”
In a rare and powerful display of unity, political parties, civil society organisations, traders, and transport unions across Jammu called for a Jammu Bandh. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry and transport unions pledged full support, leading to a complete shutdown of public transport and commercial establishments across the region as a mark of protest and mourning.
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court requests advocates, officials at Srinagar Bench to assemble at court for observing two minutes silence to pay tribute to victims of Pahalgam terror attack. pic.twitter.com/D5In9azEyk
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 23, 2025
Bar Associations Of Jammu & Srinagar To Observe Bandh In Protest Against Pahalgam Terror Attack#Pahalgamhttps://t.co/RqTn9zXZN5
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) April 23, 2025
Delhi High Court Bar Association reacts with protest and solidarity
As per LiveLaw, Echoing sentiments from the legal fraternity nationwide, the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) issued a strong statement condemning the attack as a “dastardly and cowardly act” that deliberately targeted innocent lives. DHCBA President and senior advocate N Hariharan, in a press release, described the attack as a direct challenge to the unity and sovereignty of India.
As a gesture of protest and solidarity, ANI reported that members of the DHCBA wore black ribbons on their arms during court proceedings.
Wider legal fraternity unites in condemnation
Across the Union Territory, various bar associations joined in expressing outrage. The Kashmir Jurists Bar Association attributed the attack to Pakistan-sponsored elements, labelling it an “inhuman assault on peaceful civilians.” They urged authorities to take firm action and adopt robust security measures to safeguard the lives of civilians in the future.
Adding its voice to the growing chorus, the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association issued a statement strongly condemning the Pahalgam killings. In their message, the Association said, “We urge the Government of India to take swift and the severest possible action to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators.”
Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association condemns #Pahalgam killings.
“We urge the Government of India to take swift and the severest possible action to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators.” pic.twitter.com/rQwLILXCZn
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) April 23, 2025
The Pahalgam terror attack has not only left a trail of destruction but has also triggered a profound and united response from India’s legal fraternity. From the Supreme Court to regional bar associations, legal institutions across the country have spoken in one voice—condemning the attack, mourning the victims, and calling for swift justice. Their solidarity underscores a shared commitment to peace, the rule of law, and the values of humanity that terrorism seeks to undermine.
Other reports on the Pahalgam terror attack may be read here and here,
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