Salaries of Ten JK Officials Stopped for Neglecting Court Orders
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has taken significant action against ten officers, including Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, for failing to comply with court directives spanning from 6 to 10 years. As reported by Excelsior, the CAT has halted the salaries of these officers after they repeatedly failed to appear before the tribunal or submit replies to the court’s notices. Judicial Member Rajinder Dogra expressed grave concern over their non-compliance, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of the court and ensuring the rule of law.
Despite numerous opportunities provided by the CAT, the officers remained indifferent, neither submitting replies nor attending court proceedings through video conferencing.
Judicial Member Dogra emphasized that the tribunal cannot passively observe such disregard for court orders and must take appropriate action to uphold justice. Consequently, the CAT has directed the concerned Administrative Secretaries to initiate inquiries against the erring officers and take disciplinary action in accordance with Conduct Rules.
The CAT’s decision underscores the principle that justice delayed is justice denied, especially for vulnerable litigants who rely on the court for redressal. The tribunal has urged the Chief Secretary to intervene and ensure that officers who disregard court orders are held accountable, emphasizing the need to prevent innocent litigants from suffering due to official negligence. In light of the officers’ callous attitude, the CAT has instructed Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) not to release their salaries until further notice.
Several cases, dating back several years, have highlighted the officials’ lack of responsiveness, including issues related to promotions and service matters. The Deputy Commissioner’s neglect in a case dating back to 2014 concerning the promotion of a Patwari exemplifies the systemic issue of non-compliance within the bureaucracy.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Service Selection Board and the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Ramban have also been cited for their failure to engage with court proceedings effectively. The CAT’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability and adherence to legal procedures within the administrative framework.
