'Cabinet Panel Examining Issue': J&K Govt Tells High Court In Plea Against Increase Of Reservation Quota To 67%

The J&K government has filed an additional affidavit in the J&K High Court informing the court that it has formed a cabinet subcommittee to look into the controversial changes in the reservation rules in consultation with all stakeholders.

This affidavit came to be filed after serious criticism from civil society and student groups over its initial affidavit in which the government had strongly defended the move in court, urging the High Court to dismiss the petition filed against the policy.

It had then stated that no legal, statutory, or constitutional right of the petitioners had been violated, and even accused the petitioners of acting out of malice.

A bench of Justices Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani was hearing the challenge to the reservation policy introduced last year by the Lieutenant Governor administration, which had amended Rule 4 of the J&K Reservation Act, 2004, raising the total reservation for various reserved categories to 67%.

The decision left only 33% of seats for the general category pool, triggering widespread protests and legal challenges.

The affidavit now filed by the Deputy Secretary, Social Welfare states that the subcommittee has been given six months to submit its detailed report on the reservation issue, and a copy of the government order is also placed on record.

The High Court has also stated that all the appointments made under the current reservation rules will be subject to the final outcome of the court proceedings.

The National Conference government had constituted a panel in December last year to examine the grievances relating to the issue of reservation and also hold talks with all stakeholders.

This panel was comprised of Social Welfare Minister Sakeen Itoo, the Jal Shakti Minister Javed Rana, and the Youth Services & Sports Minister Satish Sharma.

APPEARANCE:

M. Y. BHAT AND ASSOCIATES, HAMZA PRINCE, MR. ZAHOOR AHMAD BHAT (in person), For Petitioner

ADVOCATE GENERAL , MR. ABDUL RASHID MALIK ,, MR. MURTAZA A. KHAN,MR. MUZAFFAR IQBAL KHAN,MR. ABRAR AHMAD KHAN, M/S M A WANI AND FARAZ MALIK,M/S QADRI LAW AND ASSOC FOR RES NO 7,MR. M. A. WANI, MR. FARAZ MALIK , MR. SALEEM GUL For Respondents.

Case-Title: Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and Ors. vs Union of J&K , 2025