HC Rejects Plea to Rename Pahalgam Attack Site as 'Shaheed Hindu Ghati'

The court clarified that it is the government's job to give special identity to a place, establish a memorial or change the name. Along with this, the court does not have the right to give the status of martyr to a deceased person, it completely comes under the jurisdiction of the government. The bench also said that the court cannot interfere in policy making and its role in this matter is limited, as it is a matter of Parliament or Assembly. However, the court advised the petitioner that they can submit a memorandum before the government, so that this issue can be considered from a legal point of view.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu asked the petitioner whether declaring a martyr comes under Article 226. He also asked if this is so, can any example be presented and can the court take such a decision, as this is the work of the government. Petitioner Advocate Ayush Ahuja replied that when innocent tourists are killed by terrorists in the name of religion, they should also be given respect like a soldier.