NEW DELHI, January 7: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Jammu Bench has set a remarkable record by resolving 15,537 cases since its establishment in 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This achievement was announced by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Atomic Energy, Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, following a briefing from CAT Chairman Justice Ranjit More about the Tribunal’s operations and current status.
The meeting primarily addressed the infrastructure, staffing, and the management of cases within the newly created Bench in Jammu, Union Territory of J&K, particularly in relation to Writ Petition (Civil) No. 877/2020 titled Achal Sharma Vs Union of India & Ors filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.
Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged the ongoing support and guidance from the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, highlighting the focus on the welfare of government officers and staff in the region to enhance their motivation and contribute to the growth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Established on June 8, 2020, the CAT Jammu Bench began with one Division Bench, which was expanded to two Division Benches on January 10, 2023, by the Central Government to accommodate a significant number of long-pending cases transferred from the Hon’ble High Court of J&K.
Currently, both Division Benches in Jammu, consisting of 2 Judicial Members and 2 Administrative Members, are operating at full capacity. Since its inception, the Bench has received a total of 11,792 cases from the Hon’ble High Court of J&K, with 9,275 cases already resolved, many of which had been pending for years.
Moreover, 8,745 new cases have been filed at the CAT Jammu Bench since its opening, out of which 6,262 have been successfully disposed of. This brings the total number of cases resolved by the CAT Jammu Bench to 15,537 since its establishment.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also mentioned the introduction of circuit sittings for the CAT Jammu Bench in Leh, which commenced on June 19, 2024, to assist employees in the UT of Ladakh with their grievances.
The infrastructure of the CAT Jammu Bench has been significantly improved through collaborative efforts between the Union Government and the Government of UT of J&K, with a new building equipped with necessary facilities expected to be operational by the end of the month. Furthermore, initiatives are underway to enhance human resource capacity for improved efficiency, as shared by the chairman.
Praising the efforts of the CAT, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated, “Despite numerous challenges, the CAT Jammu Bench has managed to maintain a commendable disposal rate, ensuring timely resolution of grievances for employees in the Union Territory of J&K and allowing them to focus on developmental initiatives.”
