Srinagar, May 18, KDC: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar, has issued a “last and final opportunity” to the Jammu & Kashmir Home Department to comply with a nearly nine-year-old legal directive.
The Tribunal, presided over by Member (A) Prasant Kumar and Member (J) Justice Ritu Tagore, warned that the Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu & Kashmir would face a personal financial penalty if the department fails to submit a required affidavit by the next hearing.
According to details, available with news agency Kashmir Dot Com, the case, titled Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat vs. D/O Home UT of Jammu & Kashmir, pertains to an appointment dispute dating back to 2016.
Originally filed as a writ petition in the High Court, the matter was later transferred to the CAT. Despite 27 adjournments to date, the respondents (government) have yet to file a crucial affidavit originally directed by the High Court on September 12, 2017.
“Learned counsel for the respondents seeks time to file the affidavit as directed by the Hon’ble High Court vide its order dated 12.09.2017,” the Tribunal said in its order dated May 15, 2026.
Visible in its frustration over the delay, the Tribunal granted the extension but attached a strict punitive condition. Should the affidavit not be filed on or before the next hearing, the cost will not be borne by the government exchequer, but by the police chief himself.
“Failing which, costs to the tune of Rs. 5,000/- shall be imposed upon respondent No. 2, i.e., Director General of Police to be paid from his personal earnings,” the Tribunal’s order said.
While the Tribunal sought to move the matter quickly, it acknowledged the logistical hurdles currently facing the Srinagar bench. The next hearing has been scheduled for July 6, 2026.
Explaining the gap in the schedule, the Bench said, “The long date is being fixed on account of heavy pendency of old cases and the ensuing summer vacation in June, 2026.”
The matter is slated to be heard for arguments immediately after the “old cases” on the July roster.
Advocate Shuja Ul Haq appeared for the applicant, while Deputy Advocate General Rasi Ud Din Ganaie appeared for the government. (KDC)
