JKPC chief files PIL in J&K High Court seeking fairness in police verification process

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
Srinagar, January 03 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, challenging the alleged misuse of police verification processes.
The PIL calls for the strict enforcement of existing guidelines, including the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (Validation of Character and Antecedents) Instructions, 1997, as well as amendments introduced through Government Order No. 528-JK(GAD) of 2021 and Circular No. 05-JK(GAD) of 2024. seeks to address systemic issues and ensure justice for citizens.
These directives mandate clear timelines and procedural fairness in police verifications, focusing exclusively on an individual’s criminal record.
The PIL, which has been submitted to the court registry, is currently under procedural review and will be listed for hearing once cleared by the registry.
Notably, the petition specifically claims the “growing misuse of police verifications as a tool of collective punishment, targeting individuals for the actions or affiliations of their family members.”
Sajad Lone stated: “The current system has been used to deny citizens their basic rights, such as employment, access to passports, and other essential opportunities. It is imperative that the verification process remains transparent, fair, and aligned with legal standards.”
The guidelines in place are often ignored, leading to unnecessary difficulties for citizens, claims the PIL. “We are committed to ensuring their proper enforcement to prevent unfair punishment based on irrelevant factors,” Lone added.
The petition also raises constitutional concerns, citing violations of Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21, which guarantee equality, the freedom to pursue a profession, and the right to live with dignity. Lone argued that police verifications based on the actions of relatives not only violate fundamental rights but also impose severe economic, social, and emotional hardships.
Lone referenced the Supreme Court’s “Bulldozer Judgment,” which strongly opposed collective punishment, stressing that police verifications should focus solely on the individual concerned.
“We aim to ensure that every citizen is treated fairly and in accordance with the law.”
Lone clarified that the PIL is not politically motivated but stems from a commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of constitutional rights.
“This petition includes real-life cases that showcase the economic, social, and emotional hardships caused by arbitrary police verification practices. It is about safeguarding the dignity and rights of the people,” he affirmed. (STC)