Lawmaker Demands Jammu &Kashmir’s Representation in Supreme Court

 Srinagar: Former Judge of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court and Member of the Legislative Assembly, Justice Hasnain Masoodi, has urged the President, Droupadi Murmu, to ensure representation for the Union Territory in the Supreme Court of India.

In a detailed communication, Masoodi highlighted both the importance of recent judicial reforms and the continued absence of representation from J&K in the country’s highest constitutional court.

Welcoming the Union Government’s decision to increase the sanctioned strength of SC judges to 38, including the Chief Justice of India, Masoodi described the move as a significant and timely intervention. He observed that the expansion of the apex court is a crucial step towards addressing the mounting backlog of cases that continues to burden the judiciary.

According to him, such measures are essential for improving the efficiency of the justice delivery system and restoring public confidence in the rule of law. He characterised the decision as a milestone in strengthening the institutional capacity of the higher judiciary.

At the same time, Masoodi drew attention to what he described as a long-standing gap in representation. He pointed out that J&K has remained without a judge in the SC since 2017, a situation he believes needs urgent redress. Stressing the importance of inclusivity in national institutions, he remarked that it is “high time” that the UT finds representation at the apex judicial level, ensuring that its unique legal and constitutional perspectives are adequately reflected.

Masoodi further emphasised that appointing a representative from J&K to the SC would carry both symbolic and practical significance. "It would not only enhance the diversity of the bench but also instil a sense of participation and empowerment among the nearly 15 million residents of the region", he asserted. In his view, such a step would strengthen the bond between the people of J&K and the country’s constitutional framework, reinforcing their faith in democratic institutions.

Expressing optimism, Masoodi conveyed his hope that the President would give due consideration to the matter and take appropriate steps at the earliest. He underscored the urgency of the issue, suggesting that timely action would demonstrate the Centre’s commitment to equitable representation and judicial inclusivity.

Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, signalling the broader importance of the appeal and the need for coordinated action at the highest levels of government.