The Supreme Court of India has issued a firm directive to the central government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration, instructing them to promptly identify and allocate suitable accommodation for the proper functioning of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) bench in Jammu.
Apex Court Sets Deadline for Compliance
During a hearing on Monday, a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice K V Viswanathan expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay in resolving the infrastructure issue. The court granted a final opportunity of four weeks to the concerned authorities to comply with its order and provide the necessary space. The bench made it clear that failure to do so would result in the personal appearance of the responsible officers before the court.
The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on August 5, 2024. The Supreme Court's intervention came in response to a petition that highlighted the persistent lack of proper housing for the CAT bench, which is crucial for adjudicating service matters of central government employees in the region.
Background of the Infrastructure Hurdle
The Central Administrative Tribunal's bench in Jammu has been operating from makeshift and inadequate facilities for an extended period. This has severely hampered its functioning and access to justice for thousands of government employees. The petitioner argued that the absence of a permanent, functional building violates the principles of effective justice delivery.
The Supreme Court bench noted the administrative inertia in resolving this basic infrastructural requirement. Justice Surya Kant emphasized that providing proper accommodation for a judicial forum like the CAT is not a matter of discretion but an essential administrative duty. The court's order underscores the necessity for both the Union government and the Union Territory administration to work in tandem to resolve the issue without further delay.
Implications for Employees and Governance
The establishment of a fully functional CAT bench in Jammu is critical for the following reasons:
- Access to Justice: It ensures timely and convenient redressal of service disputes for central government employees posted in Jammu and surrounding areas.
- Administrative Efficiency: A properly housed tribunal can function more efficiently, clearing case backlogs and delivering speedy judgments.
- Rule of Law: It reinforces the commitment to providing robust judicial and quasi-judicial mechanisms across all regions of the country, including Union Territories.
The Supreme Court's directive is a significant step towards strengthening the institutional framework in Jammu and Kashmir. By mandating a concrete deadline, the apex court has moved the issue from bureaucratic limbo to actionable compliance, ensuring that the rights of government employees are safeguarded through a properly functioning judicial forum.
