Srinagar, Aug 8, KDC: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench, has issued bailable warrants against the Additional Chief Secretary of the Jal Shakti Department and four other senior officials for their failure to comply with a judicial order in a long-pending promotion case.
According to Srinagar-based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), the Tribunal expressed strong displeasure over the conduct of the respondents, noting that despite repeated opportunities and ample time, they had neither complied with the Tribunal’s directions nor challenged the order before the High Court. The order was passed during the hearing of a contempt petition filed in connection with a transfer application originally registered in 2020.
The Bench, comprising Member (Administrative) Ram Mohan Johri and Member (Judicial) Rajinder Singh Dogra, observed that the respondents had shown “willful and deliberate” disobedience of the Tribunal’s order. It further recorded that the officials had “shown blatant disregard for this Court by failing to appear despite repeated opportunities,” adding that such conduct left the Tribunal with no alternative but to take stringent action.
The officials named in the order include Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary (Financial Commissioner), Jal Shakti Department, along with Vikas Sharma, Chief Engineer; Sunil Gandotra, Superintending Engineer; and Rajesh Sharma, Executive Engineer. Each has been directed to furnish a surety bond of ₹25,000.
The Tribunal has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, to ensure the presence of the officials on the next date of hearing, scheduled for September 8, 2025. The Registry has been instructed to issue the necessary warrants without delay.
The contempt petition, filed by applicant Varun Kumar through Advocate Rameshwar Singh Jamwal, relates to non-implementation of an earlier Tribunal order in a matter involving promotion. The respondents in the case are being represented by Mr. Rajesh Thapa, learned Additional Advocate General. (KDC)
