Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 30: Raising a powerful voice against what he termed the blatant exclusion of the Sikh community from the judicial appointment process, DDC Member Suchetgarh and Chief of All J&K Sikh Sangat, Taranjit Singh Tony, launched a scathing attack on the Supreme Court Collegium and the BJP-led Union Government over the recommendation of nine names for the Jammu & Kashmir High Court, with Sikh representation missing from the list.
Terming the development a serious blow to the principles of equality, inclusiveness and fair representation, Tony questioned how an entire community with a significant contribution to the legal, social and national fabric of the country could be overlooked in such an important constitutional exercise.
"Nine judges recommended, but where is Sikh representation? Is this the reality of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas'? Are Sikhs wanted only when their votes, sacrifices and support are needed? When it comes to sharing responsibility and representation in constitutional institutions, why does the Sikh community become invisible? The Modi Government owes an explanation to the people of Jammu & Kashmir," Tony thundered.
Launching a direct attack on the Collegium system, Tony said that judicial appointments cannot be allowed to operate behind closed doors without adequate transparency and public accountability. He questioned whether the Sikh legal fraternity in Jammu & Kashmir lacked capable and deserving professionals or whether their names were simply never given due consideration.
"The Collegium cannot function like a private club where a handful of people decide the future of constitutional institutions without explaining their criteria. Nine recommendations, but Sikh representation missing! Is there not a single competent Sikh lawyer in Jammu & Kashmir deserving of consideration? This is not merely a question of one appointment; it is a question of dignity, equality and institutional fairness. The legal fraternity deserves answers," he asserted. |
