Hearing scheduled for Dec 27
Srinagar, Dec 11: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has issued a notice to the J&K government, seeking its response to a petition challenging the region’s current reservation policy. The move comes amid ongoing public debate over the fairness and rationale of the policy.
The petition, filed by Dawar Ali with the support of the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society, raises questions about the transparency and equity of the existing framework. The plea, listed as WP(C) 2864/2024 and CM(7835/2024), was argued by a team of JUS Advocates & Solicitors Front from New Delhi, led by Advocate Junaid Mohammad Junaid.
The petition demands the annulment of the current reservation policy and calls for the establishment of an independent panel to reform and rationalise the reservation system within a defined timeframe.
A bench comprising Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani directed the J&K government to submit its reply within three weeks. The court has also clubbed this case with a related petition, WP(C) 2762/2024. The next hearing has been scheduled for December 27, 2024.
Advocate Junaid said it is important to ensure constitutional fairness in the reservation system. “This petition does not aim to target any specific group but seeks to uphold the rule of law and constitutional principles. A balanced and fair reservation policy is critical for justice and equity,” he said.
The Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society, which has backed the petition, reiterated its demand for a transparent reservation policy. “The current system does not reflect the complexities and diversity of our society. We are advocating for a rationalised framework that is equitable and inclusive,” said Imtiyaz Chesti, Chairman of the Civil Society group.
The next hearing has been scheduled for December 27.
Earlier this year, the Union Territory administration, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, implemented a 10% reservation for the Pahari community. This change increased the total reserved seats across various categories to 60%, leaving only 40% of seats available for general category candidates. This triggered unrest among aspirants from Open Merit who have been calling for a review of the new policy.
