New Delhi: In a notification issued on 28 October 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officially appointed Delhi-based criminal lawyer Shri Singh as the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) to represent the NIA in the Pahalgam terror attack trial.
He will represent the agency before both the NIA Special Court, Jammu, and the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, for a tenure of three years or until the completion of trial — whichever comes earlier.
Background: The Pahalgam Attack That Shocked India
On 22 April 2025, a brutal terror attack unfolded at the scenic Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir), where 25 tourists and a pony operator were killed in one of the most horrifying assaults on civilians in the region.
The case was registered as National Investigation Agency (NIA) case RC-02/2025/NIA/JMU when the probe was taken under federal jurisdiction due to its grave national security implications.
A Jammu court on 18 September granted the NIA a further 45-day extension to conclude its investigation, underscoring the complexity and scale of the task.
Role and Significance of the Advocate Shri Singh as SPP
The appointment of Shri Singh signals the government’s resolve to ensure a robust prosecution in this high-stakes terror case.
Given his criminal law background and skill set, he is expected to coordinate closely with investigating officers to build a watertight case ahead of the imminent chargesheet.
The move also strengthens the legal preparedness for what is anticipated to be a complex and closely watched trial involving cross-border terror links, local accomplices and foreign militants.
Key Legal and Investigative Developments
The NIA has reportedly questioned over 1,000 individuals in its probe — including tourists, pony and mule operators, photographers, local employees and shop workers.
Arrests include two local men, Bashir Ahmad Jothar and Parvez Ahmad Jothar, apprehended on 22 June 2025 for allegedly harbouring Pakistani terrorists who carried out the attack.
The terrorists — three in number, linked to the proscribed outfit Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT) and identified as Pakistani nationals — were eliminated by Indian security forces on 28 July in the Dachigam forest area.
Who is Advocate Shri Singh?
Advocate Shri Singh is a Delhi-based criminal lawyer with expertise in high-profile cases. His appointment as SPP underlines the government’s choice of a seasoned advocate capable of handling terror prosecutions at the national level.
What Lies Ahead in the Trial Process
With the appointment of the Advocate Shri Singh as SPP ticking into effect, the focus now turns to the filing of the chargesheet by the NIA — likely naming both the terrorist operatives and their local facilitators.
The upcoming trial will test the prosecution’s ability to present clear, admissible evidence linking local actors, foreign terrorists and cross-border terror networks — a process that is vital for justice to the victims and deterrence in India’s fight against terror.
Why The Appointment of Advocate Shri Singh Matters for India’s Security
For India’s counter-terror architecture, the Pahalgam case is one of the stark reminders that tourist destinations remain vulnerable to cross-border terrorism.
Legally, the appointment of a dedicated SPP for such a high-profile terror attack case underscores the significance of specialised legal representation in national security prosecutions.
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The public and international watch on this trial will influence perceptions of India’s judicial efficacy in tackling terror chains and delivering justice swiftly.
