Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 7: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Jammu Bench has made a remarkable achievement by resolving a total of 15,537 cases in a short timeframe since its inception in 2020 amidst the Covid pandemic.
This announcement was made by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, following a briefing from CAT Chairman Justice Ranjit More regarding the Tribunal’s operational status.
The meeting concentrated on the infrastructural framework, staffing status, and case management of the recently established Bench in Jammu, Union Territory of J&K, in the context of Writ Petition (Civil) No. 877/2020 titled Achal Sharma Vs Union of India & Ors filed in the Supreme Court of India.
Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged the ongoing support and direction provided by the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He underscored the emphasis placed on the region and the welfare of government officers and staff, encouraging their motivation and contribution to the accelerated development of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Jammu Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal began operations on June 8, 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, initially 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 High Court of J&K to the Tribunal established in the UT of J&K.
At present, both Division Benches in the Jammu Bench, comprised of 2 Judicial Members and 2 Administrative Members, are operating at full capacity and with vigor. Since the Jammu Bench’s establishment, 11,792 cases have been transferred from the High Court of J&K, with 9,275 cases successfully resolved, including many that had been pending for years.
Additionally, 8,745 new cases have been filed in the CAT, Jammu Bench since its inception, out of which 6,262 cases have been resolved.
In total, this marks 15,537 cases that the CAT, Jammu Bench has disposed of since its establishment.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also noted that the circuit sitting of the CAT, Jammu Bench at Leh commenced on June 19, 2024, to help employees of the UT of Ladakh with their grievances.
The facilities for the CAT Jammu Bench have been upgraded through collaborative efforts between the Union Government and the Government of UT of J&K. A new building equipped with essential amenities is anticipated to be operational by the end of this month. Furthermore, steps are being taken to enhance human resource capabilities to boost efficiency, as highlighted by the Chairman.
Praising the efforts of the CAT, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated, “Despite various challenges, the CAT Jammu Bench has successfully maintained a commendable disposal rate, facilitating a comparatively quicker resolution of employee grievances in the Union Territory of J&K, thus allowing them to redirect their focus towards developmental initiatives.”
