JAMMU, Feb 5: Central Administrative Tribunal, Jammu, has ordered the immediate stoppage of the salary of the Commissioner/Secretary of the Health and Medical Education Department, J&K, for failing to comply with its directives & also directed the Chief Secretary to initiate an inquiry against the “erring officer and take strict action” for the non-compliance of court orders.
The case pertains to the non-issuance of an appointment letter to Dr. Palvi Dubey, despite her selection for a post under the Health and Medical Education Department.
, remarked that such officers “do not deserve salary” for failing to uphold the rule of law.
The Tribunal observed that despite clear directions issued on September 13, 2024, and December 30, 2024, the respondents had not issued the appointment letter, constituting a blatant violation of court orders & asserted that the non-filing of replies by the respondents and their indifferent approach had caused unnecessary hardship to the applicant.
CAT said that it is very unfortunate that due to the callous attitude of officers/officials, public faith in the judiciary is getting eroded & made it clear that no one is above the law and that such disregard for legal directives undermines the very fabric of justice & Innocent litigants cannot be made to suffer for the lackadaisical approach of the respondents.
On November 19, 2024, the Tribunal noted that while her selection had been made, the appointment letter was still withheld. Despite being given a final opportunity to submit a written statement, the Health and Medical Education Department did not respond, displaying a complete lack of urgency in addressing the matter.
The Tribunal directed the Drawing and Disbursing Officer concerned to immediately stop the salary of the Commissioner/Secretary of the Health and Medical Education Department.
The Tribunal also instructed the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir to initiate an inquiry into the officer’s conduct and submit an action report by the next hearing.
It further warned that coercive action would follow if the appointment letter was not issued by then. The case is now scheduled for the next hearing on February 28, 2025.
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