Srinagar- Sajad Lone, President of the J&K Peoples Conference (PC) and MLA from Handwara, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in Srinagar on Thursday. The PIL challenges the misuse of the police verification process, particularly its use as a form of collective punishment.

The petition, filed through Advocate Syed Sajad Geelani, argues that the current system often targets individuals based on the actions or affiliations of their family members, denying them basic rights like employment and access to passports. Lone emphasized that the police verification process should focus solely on an individual's criminal record and not on factors outside their control.

"The current system has been used to deny citizens their basic rights, such as employment, access to passports and other essential opportunities. The verification process must remain transparent, fair and aligned with legal standards," Lone said in a statement.

The PIL calls for the strict enforcement of the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (Validation of Character and Antecedents) Instructions, 1997, which outlines clear timelines for police verifications. Lone stressed that these guidelines, focusing solely on an individual's criminal history, are often overlooked.

The petition emphasizes violations of Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protect equality, the freedom to pursue any profession, and the right to live with dignity. Lone cited the Supreme Court's "Bulldozer Judgment," which opposes collective punishment, as a precedent for his argument.

"The Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces the principle that no individual should suffer because of others' actions," Lone noted.

He clarified that the PIL is driven by a commitment to justice and equality, not by political motives. The petition includes real-life cases illustrating the negative impacts of arbitrary police verification practices.

"This is about safeguarding the dignity and rights of the people. We will continue to fight for justice for the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir," Lone affirmed.

The PIL was submitted to the court registry for procedural review.