Sr. No.01 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH AT SRINAGAR WP(C) PIL No.5/2025 Abdul Hamid Rather …Petitioner(s)/Appellants. Through: Petitioner in person. Vs. Union Territory of J&K and anr. ….Respondent(s) Through: Mr. A. R. Malik, Sr. AAG. CORAM: HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJNESH OSWAL, JUDGE O R D E R 15.07.2025 Petitioner who is a student of Law has filed this petition in public interest so as to quash Clause 3(b) of Annexure ‘A’ to Government order No.49-JK(SWD) of 2022 dated March 22, 2022, issued by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, as regards imposition of an eligibility requirement of passing at least 8th standard for poor girls to avail the benefit under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS). At the outset, the petitioner, who appears in person, submits that prior to institution of this petition, the petitioner had submitted numerous representations to the respondents as regards his concerns and grievances. But to no avail. Served with advance copy of the petition, Mr. A. R. Malik, learned Sr. AAG, is present in the court on behalf of the respondents. He submits for the competent authority is already in seisin of the representation submitted by the petitioner, it would rather be expedient if the petition is disposed of at this stage to enable the respondents to examine and deal with the concerns and grievances of the petitioner and take necessary measures in accordance with law. That being so, petitioner submits that writ petition be disposed of in terms of the statement made by the learned counsel for the respondents. However, it is urged that respondent authorities be directed to take a decision in this regard within a specified time. As to this, Mr. A. R. Malik, learned Sr. AAG, submits that the matter shall be examined in the right earnest by the authorities and appropriate orders in this regard shall be passed within a period of two months. In the wake of the above, the writ petition is disposed of in terms of the statements made by the learned counsel for the parties. (RAJNESH OSWAL) (ARUN PALLI) JUDGE CHIEF JUSTICE Srinagar 15.07.2025 Abdul Qayoom, Secy. Abdul Qayoom Lone I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document 15.07.2025 19:06