Jammu: The Sikh Progressive Front (SPF) has expressed strong concern over the exclusion of the Sikh community from the recent judicial appointments to the Jammu & Kashmir High Court, calling it a setback to inclusivity and diversity in the judiciary.
Addressing a press conference, Balvinder Singh, President of SPF and Vice President of DGPC Jammu, along with S. Manjit Singh (General Secretary), S. Tejinder Singh (DGPC member), and Rajinder Singh Sudan (Joint Secretary), said that despite a list of eleven recommended candidates for elevation, not a single Sikh lawyer was included.
The leaders described the omission as deeply concerning, particularly given the presence of a strong pool of experienced Sikh legal professionals in Jammu and Kashmir who, they said, are fully qualified for judicial roles. They emphasized that representation of minorities in the judiciary is essential to ensure fairness, public trust, and balanced decision-making.
Balvinder Singh said the issue goes beyond community representation and touches upon the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and legal fairness enshrined in the Constitution. He also referred to the Supreme Court’s repeated emphasis on inclusivity in the judiciary, noting that diversity strengthens institutional credibility and public confidence in the justice system.
“The absence of Sikh representation in these judicial appointments raises serious concerns about inclusiveness and equal opportunity,” he said, urging authorities to take corrective steps.
The SPF called upon the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Justice of India, and the Union Law Minister to review the recent appointments and ensure that future selections reflect both merit and fair representation of minority communities. The leaders stressed that meritocracy and diversity must go hand in hand to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
Highlighting the Sikh community’s longstanding contributions to national unity, justice, and public service, the speakers said their exclusion from such important appointments undermines the spirit of inclusive governance.
Other prominent members of the Sikh Progressive Front present during the interaction included S. Satinderpal Singh, S. Gurdeep Singh, S. T.P Singh, Prof. Pritam Singh, and S. Sukhwinder Singh, who collectively supported the demand for greater representation of minorities in the Jammu & Kashmir High Court.
The development has brought renewed focus on judicial diversity, minority rights, and transparency in judicial appointments, with the SPF urging immediate attention to ensure a more inclusive and representative judiciary in Jammu and Kashmir.
