The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the High Court that it has set up a cabinet subcommittee to review the recently increased reservation quota, which has gone up to 67% under the amended reservation rules.
This update came through an additional affidavit filed by the government, following strong backlash from civil society and student groups. In its earlier response, the government had firmly defended the new reservation rule and requested the court to dismiss the plea challenging it. It also stated that the petitioners had no legal, statutory, or constitutional rights being violated and even accused them of filing the case with bad intent.
The case is being heard by a division bench of Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani. The main issue is the amendment to Rule 4 of the J&K Reservation Act, 2004, made last year by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. This amendment increased the total reservation to 67%, leaving only 33% of the seats for the general category. This move led to widespread protests and several legal petitions.
"The cabinet subcommittee has been asked to examine the matter and submit a detailed report within six months," stated the new affidavit, which was filed by the Deputy Secretary of the Social Welfare Department. A copy of the official government order was also submitted to the court.
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The High Court made it clear that:
"All appointments made under the current reservation policy will remain subject to the final outcome of the case."
Earlier, in December last year, the government had already formed a panel to address the growing concerns about the reservation hike and engage with all stakeholders. This committee includes Social Welfare Minister Sakeen Itoo, Jal Shakti Minister Javed Rana, and Youth Services & Sports Minister Satish Sharma.
This issue continues to attract strong public attention, and the final verdict of the High Court will have significant implications for future appointments and reservation policies in the union territory.
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
