HC issues notice on petition challenging reservation policy

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a notice to the Jammu and Kashmir government on a petition challenging the reservation policy.

A statement issued by the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society, which supported the petition, said the High Court has issued a notice to the respondents in the matter.

Advocate Junaid Mohammad Junaid argued the matter and questioned the rationale behind the government’s current reservation policy, calling it “unreasonable and illogical.”

According to the society, the petition seeks the annulment of the present reservation policy, stating that it violates principles of rationality and equity. It further requested the formation of an independent committee to evaluate and rationalise the reservation framework within a specified time frame, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.”

A Bench comprising Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani has directed the respondents to file their replies within three weeks and instructed the petitioners to complete requisite steps for service within one week.

The petition has been clubbed with another petition in the case and the matter has been posted for December 27.

Advocate Junaid expressed optimism regarding the proceedings, stating that a rationalised and equitable reservation policy is essential for addressing the genuine concerns of the people.

He added, “This issue is not against any particular community or a particular class for that matter. This is the fight to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.”

The Jammu and Kashmir Government had on Tuesday constituted a three-member ministerial committee to examine the new reservation policy that was implemented in the Union Territory.

Earlier this year, the UT Administration, under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, introduced 10 per cent reservation for the Pahari community, raising the total reserved seats for various categories to 60 per cent, leaving only 40 per cent seats for candidates from the general category.

For months now, there has been a growing demand by aspirants for the review of the new policy, which, they claim is disastrous for the general category candidates.