HC issues notice to J&K government over reservation policy

Jammu (Team Newsbuddy): The court has sought the government’s response on the petition which questions the existing reservation guidelines in Jammu and Kashmir.

Hearing the petition on November 9, a division bench of Justice Rajesh Oswal and Justice Mohammad Yusuf Wani directed the c and Kashmir government, to file their replies within three weeks. The court has also directed the petitioners to take necessary steps for the service within a week.

The petition was filed by Dawar Ali, supported by the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society. The case was argued by Team JUS Advocates and Solicitors Front, New Delhi, led by Advocate Junaid Mohammad Junaid.

The petition questions the logic behind the government’s current reservation policy and seeks its quashing. The petition states that it violates the principles of rationality and equality. The petition also sought the formation of an independent committee that would evaluate and rationalise the reservation framework within a fixed time frame, to ensure fairness and transparency in the process.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 27.

Earlier this year, the Union Territory administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had implemented 10% reservation for the hill community. The change increased the total reserved seats in various categories to 60%, leaving only 40% seats available for general category candidates. This has led to unrest among open merit candidates, who are d
emanding a review of the new policy.