SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a notice to the Jammu & Kashmir government in response to a petition challenging the current reservation policy.
According to Srinagar-based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com, the division bench, comprising Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Mr. Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, has directed the Jammu and Kashmir government (respondents) to file their replies within three weeks.
Moreover, the petitioners have been instructed to complete the service formalities within one week. The petition has been clubbed with WP(C) 2762/2024, with the next hearing scheduled for December 27, 2024.
The petition, filed by Dawar Ali and supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society, questions the policy’s rationale, calling it “unreasonable and illogical.”
The petition, WP(C) 2864/2024, seeks the annulment of the reservation policy, claiming it violates principles of rationality and equity. It also demands the formation of an independent committee to reassess and rationalize the reservation framework, ensuring fairness and transparency in its implementation. The case was argued by Advocate Junaid Mohammad Junaid, representing Team JUS Advocates & Solicitors Front, New Delhi.
Advocate Junaid expressed optimism about the proceedings, stating, “This is not an issue against any community or class. It’s about upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.”
Imtiyaz Chesti, Chairman of Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society, emphasized the society’s commitment to ensuring fairness and justice, asserting the need for urgent reform of the reservation policy in line with constitutional principles. The Civil Society has pledged to pursue the matter in the public interest. (KDC)