Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 13: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, has issued a strongly worded order against the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Health & Medical Education Department for prolonged non-compliance with court directions in a recruitment case.
The matter concerns Dr. Kulbir Singh Jatt, who had successfully cleared the written examination for the post of Deputy Medical Superintendent but was denied an interview on the grounds that his tenure as Casualty Medical Officer at GMC Anantnag did not qualify as the prescribed "experience of running a hospital" under the J&K Medical Education (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules, 1979.
After multiple hearings since September 2024, the CAT had repeatedly directed the constitution of an expert committee to interpret the eligibility requirement and examine experience certificates. Despite strict timelines - including an order on November 5, 2024, mandating completion within ten days - the PSC failed to act promptly. The committee was only constituted in April 2025, prompting the Tribunal on May 13, 2025, to remark, "we smell a rat."
The expert panel, headed by the Director, SKIMS, with principals of GMC Jammu and GMC Srinagar as members, submitted its final report on July 25, 2025, concluding that all previously declared eligible candidates, including Dr. Jatt, met the required qualifications and experience.
Accepting these findings, the CAT has directed the PSC to conduct Dr. Jatt's interview within four weeks and barred the Commission from declaring results for the post until his marks are submitted before the court in a sealed cover.
In its order, the Tribunal emphasised that "arbitrariness is an anathema to the rule of law" and reminded public authorities of their constitutional obligation to act fairly and predictably, in compliance with Articles 14 and 16.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on October 13, 2025. (JNF) |
