Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 4: A bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasized the necessity for a permanent structure featuring appropriate courtrooms, chambers, and offices for the officers and other personnel of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Jammu. Additionally, the Apex Court has requested an updated status report regarding the relocation of the Tribunal to a new building.
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During the hearing of the case titled Achal Sharma Versus Union of India and Others, the Supreme Court Bench remarked, “an affidavit has been submitted on behalf of the Union of India concerning the operational aspects of the Benches of the Central Administrative Tribunal at Jammu and Srinagar.”
“The affidavit clarifies that as a result of a meeting held on 17.12.2024 between the Judicial Member/Head of Department, CAT (Jammu Bench), and other officials from the J&K and Union Governments, a decision was reached to lease a private building for the Tribunal’s relocation,” stated the Supreme Court.
The Bench also mentioned, “there are several deficiencies in the current building, and all outstanding works are expected to be finished by the end of January 2025. Furthermore, pertaining to the need for additional staff, the status report indicates that out of 58 sanctioned positions, 26 are regularly filled, while 10 are occupied by outsourced personnel against transferred posts.”
Pointing out that the Central Administrative Tribunal’s Bench at Jammu appears to be a permanent establishment, the Apex Court insisted, “there should be a dedicated building equipped with proper courtrooms, chambers, and offices for the relevant officials and staff. Moreover, it may not be wise to employ outsourced personnel in a judicial/quasi-judicial body, where the preservation of records, confidentiality, and regular updates pose daily challenges.”
“The Additional Solicitor General of India has requested, and been granted, four weeks to receive instructions regarding this matter. The case will be revisited on 14.02.2025. Meanwhile, a new status report regarding the Tribunal’s transition to the rented facility should also be submitted,” noted the order issued by the Supreme Court.
