CAT Warns J&K Assembly Speaker, Secretary of Coercive Action Over Contempt
Srinagar, Apr 29, KNT: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, has issued a stern warning to the Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, and the Assembly Secretary, Manoj Kumar Pandit, over non-compliance of its earlier judgment.
During proceedings in Contempt Petition No. 225 of 2024, the CAT granted both officials a final opportunity to implement its order dated September 3, 2024. The tribunal made it clear that failure to comply within this timeframe would invite coercive action against the contemnors.
The petition was filed by Abdul Rashid Salmani, a retired Additional Secretary, who had secured a favourable judgment from the CAT in September 2024. The order directed the authorities to reconsider his promotion case for the post of Special Secretary. However, despite the ruling, the Assembly Secretariat allegedly failed to act, prompting Salmani to initiate contempt proceedings.
The CAT bench expressed serious displeasure over the delay and made it clear that no further extensions would be granted. It emphasised the binding nature of judicial directives and warned that continued defiance could lead to penal consequences.
The matter will be listed for next hearing on 29 July this year. [KNT]
