CAT Halts Secretary’s Salary Over Non-Compliance

CAT Halts Secretary's Salary Over Non-Compliance

Asif Iqbal | March 2, 2024 | 08:04 PM IST | Jammu Kashmir | Follow on Google News

CAT Halts Secretary’s Salary Over Non-Compliance

CAT Halts Secretary’s Salary Over Non-Compliance

In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal, Jammu Bench, has taken a stern stance against the Jammu and Kashmir Government, suspending the salary of the Secretary of the Service Selection Recruitment Board for failing to comply with an order. This decision stems from a long-standing case initiated by N A Bhat in 2016, where the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir issued a notice and directed a response. Despite being listed around 10 times in the High Court, the Board consistently failed to file the required reply.

CAT Halts Secretary’s Salary:Transfer of Case to Central Administrative Tribunal, Jammu Bench

In the year 2020, following the establishment of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Jammu Bench, the case was transferred to this new jurisdiction. However, the proceedings faced a setback as the case was listed four times before the Bench, yet the Board failed to submit the necessary reply. This lack of responsiveness prompted the Tribunal to take decisive action.

High Court Urges Swift Waqf Tribunal Creation in JK

“The innocent litigants cannot be made to suffer for the lackadaisical approach of the respondents,” stated the CAT, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the legal process. In response, the Tribunal issued a directive to the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) to withhold the Secretary’s salary until further orders.

CAT Halts Secretary’s Salary:Secretary Instructed to Submit Compliance Affidavit

Furthermore, the Secretary has been specifically instructed to file a compliance affidavit. This affidavit should confirm that he has not only responded to the current case but also addressed the pending cases up to the year 2020. The Tribunal underscored that it had noticed a recurring pattern of non-compliance by the Service Selection Recruitment Board in hundreds of cases, signaling a broader issue that needed rectification.

CAT Halts Secretary’s Salary:Addressing Systemic Non-Responsiveness

This action by the Central Administrative Tribunal, Jammu Bench, highlights a growing concern regarding the non-responsiveness of government bodies to legal directives. The move to suspend the salary of the Secretary sends a strong message about the need for timely and responsible action in legal matters. It serves as a reminder that accountability is paramount in ensuring justice and fairness for all parties involved.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.