All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organizations J&K, Appeals for Social Justice Reforms in Meeting with Chief Justice

Jammu, October 30, 2024: A delegation from the All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organisations, J&K, representing Dalit, OBC, Minority, and Adivasi communities, met with Hon’ble Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan today to extend their warmest congratulations on his recent appointment as Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The delegation, under the direction of State President R.K. Kalsotra, recognized this milestone as a significant achievement in India’s social justice movement and the significance of having a member of an underrepresented community in such a prominent role.

During the meeting, Kalsotra proposed the installation of a statue of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution, within the Jammu High Court premises. He emphasized that Dr. Ambedkar’s pivotal contributions to India’s Constitution and social justice efforts make him a figure worthy of enduring recognition. The statue would serve as a tribute to Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of a just and inclusive India, providing inspiration for future generations to pursue equality, human rights, and social awareness.

The delegation also urged Chief Justice Rabstan to consider recommending Scheduled Caste candidates for elevation to the High Court bench, pointing out that no SC candidate has held this position since the Court’s establishment in 1928. They highlighted that such representation would be a vital step toward fostering social justice, equity, and fair representation within the judicial system.

Chief Justice Rabstan, while engaging with the delegation, expressed his appreciation for their support and assured them that he would give due attention to their concerns and suggestions. He emphasized his commitment to a judicial process that ensures timely justice and empowers marginalized communities across the region.

The delegation was accompanied by several prominent office bearers, each representing different communities and organizations committed to social justice and inclusion. Among those present were B.L. Bhardwaj, Ramesh Uttama, Dr. Sameer Choudhary, Sarfraz Chouhan, and Rakesh Bhagat. The team also included Bansi Lal Ch, Convenor of the OBC Mahasabha, J&K; Ashok Hussain Khan, President of the Shia Federation, Jammu; Ashu Peter Mattoo, President of the All J&K Christian Sabha; and S. Narinder Singh Khalsa, President of the Sikh Intellectuals Circle, J&K.

Together, the delegation reinforced their appeal for greater representation of marginalized communities within the judicial system, as well as their request to install a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Jammu High Court. Their collective presence underscored a unified call for justice, inclusivity, and respect for the contributions of social reformers, as they expressed confidence in Chief Justice Rabstan’s support for their cause.