SRINAGAR: Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS), Imtiyaz Chashti has expressed serious concern regarding the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir functioning without an Advocate General.
In a statement issued to Kashmir Dot Com, Chashti has urged the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, to expedite the appointment of an Advocate General to address critical legal matters effectively.
“This concern gains urgency in light of the pending case titled WPC No. 2762/2024: Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and Others vs. UT of Jammu and Kashmir, concerning the reservation policy, which is scheduled for hearing before the Division Bench of the Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh High Court on 27th December 2024,” JKCS said in a statement, adding”During the hearing on 4th December 2024, the Division Bench noted with concern that the Union Territory is presently without an Advocate General, a situation that could compromise the effective representation of the UT’s position in this pivotal matter.”
Chashti stated that the Advocate General, being the highest law officer of the state, plays a critical role in representing the government’s interests in judicial proceedings.
“The absence of such an appointment, particularly in a case of significant public and constitutional importance like the reservation policy, poses a serious risk to the effective defense of the government’s position,” he said.
He further emphasized that if Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Subcommittee Chairperson. Sakina Itoo are truly serious in addressing the concerns of students and stakeholders affected by the reservation policy, they must ensure compliance with the High Court’s observations by immediately appointing a qualified Advocate General.
“Such a step is essential to uphold the integrity of the legal process and ensure the UT’s robust representation before the judiciary. The absence of an Advocate General at this critical juncture undermines the administration’s ability to defend its policies effectively and could have adverse implications for the resolution of the matter, impacting the broader interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added. (KDC)
