High Court Directs Appointments Under Reservation Rules to Be Subject to Outcome of Petition

SRINAGAR, December 4, 2024: The High Court has ruled that any appointments made under the amended Reservation Rules will be subject to the outcome of an ongoing petition challenging the validity of these rules. The decision came during a hearing on a petition filed by five individuals seeking to have the rules declared null and void.

The petitioners argue that amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005, have significantly reduced opportunities for certain groups while increasing reservations for others. Key changes include:

Open Merit: Reduced from 57% to 33%.

Residents of Backward Area (RBA): Reduced from 20% to 10%.

Scheduled Tribe (ST): Increased from 10% to 20%.

Social Caste: Increased from 2% to 8%.

ALC (Actual Line of Control residents): Increased from 3% to 4%.

The court has requested the assistance of the Advocate General in the next hearing to address the legal challenges raised. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for recruitment and admissions policies across Jammu and Kashmir.