Srinagar, May 18 (JKNS): The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar, has issued a stern warning to the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department over non-compliance in a nearly nine-year-old case, directing that costs may be imposed personally on the Director General of Police (DGP) if the required affidavit is not filed before the next hearing.
According to details available with news agency JKNS, the Tribunal, comprising Member (A) Prasant Kumar and Member (J) Justice Ritu Tagore, granted the government a “last and final opportunity” to comply with directions earlier passed by the High Court in 2017.
The case titled Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat versus D/O Home UT of Jammu and Kashmir pertains to an appointment dispute originally filed before the High Court and later transferred to the CAT.
The Tribunal observed that despite 27 adjournments, the respondents have failed to submit the affidavit directed by the High Court vide order dated September 12, 2017.
In its order dated May 15, 2026, the Tribunal noted that counsel for the respondents sought further time to file the affidavit.
However, expressing displeasure over the continued delay, the Tribunal warned that failure to comply before the next hearing would attract costs of ₹5,000 to be paid personally by the Director General of Police from his own earnings.
The Tribunal stated that the amount would not be borne by the government exchequer.
The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July 6, 2026.
The Bench also observed that the long date was being fixed due to heavy pendency of old cases and the ensuing summer vacation in June.
Advocate Shuja-ul-Haq appeared on behalf of the applicant, while Deputy Advocate General Rasi-ud-Din Ganaie represented the government in the case. (JKNS)
