Rameez Makdoomi
Srinagar, December 11: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a notice to the respondents in a petition filed by Dawar Ali, supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society. The case was argued by Team JUS Advocates & Solicitors Front, New Delhi, Headed by Advocate Junaid Mohammad Junaid. The petition, WP(C) 2864/2024 along with CM(7835/2024), questions the rationale behind the government’s current reservation policy, calling it “unreasonable and illogical.”
The petition seeks the annulment of the present reservation policy, stating that it violates principles of rationality and equity. It further requests the formation of an independent committee to evaluate and rationalize the reservation framework within a specified time frame, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.
The bench, comprising Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, 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 WP(C) 2762/2024 and the next hearing has been scheduled for December 27, 2024.
Advocate Junaid Mohammad Junaid expressed optimism regarding the proceedings, stating that a rationalized 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.”
Chairman of Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Imtiyaz Chesti reiterated the society’s commitment to ensuring justice and fairness, emphasizing that the current reservation policy needs urgent reform to align with constitutional principles. The Civil Society reaffirmed its resolve to pursue the matter in the larger public interest.
Author
The Kashmir Dialogues
Sheikh Sameer
