CAT directs Kashmir University to decide faculty plea, flags delay in handling representations
24/04/2026
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: The Central Administrative Tribunal has directed the University of Kashmir to decide a representation filed by five faculty members seeking regularisation and release of salary, while expressing concern over delays in disposal of such grievances.
A bench comprising Member (A) Prasant Kumar and Member (J) M S Latif issued notice on the plea filed by Ajaz-ul-Hamid Wani and others, who have sought directions for declaring their services permanent and release of pending salary at the admissible rate.
The applicants, represented by senior counsel Jahangir Ganai, also challenged orders by the university keeping their teaching experience equivalence in abeyance and withholding remuneration.
During the hearing, counsel for the respondents Asif Maqbool accepted notice and was granted four weeks to file a response.
The Tribunal observed that the applicants had already submitted a detailed representation on February 19, 2026, which remained undecided.
"Ordinarily, the University should have disposed of the representation filed by the applicants… Had the respondents timely disposed of the representations… the same would have not only saved the State exchequer but also the time of the Court," the bench said.
Taking note of administrative delay, the Tribunal remarked:
"The disposal mechanism… is very slothful… it hardly takes an hour or so to dispose of such representations."
The bench directed the university to consider and decide the representation by passing a "speaking and reasoned order" within the notice period and file compliance.
It also asked the Vice Chancellor to ensure a mechanism for prompt disposal of representations, while cautioning that only those with substance need to be addressed expeditiously.
"Respondents are also directed to consider payment of remuneration… and to explain as to why the applicants have been deprived of their legitimately earned remuneration," the Tribunal said.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 16, 2026.
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