Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 10: In a significant relief to a group of disengaged Special Police Officers (SPOs) from Anantnag, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, has directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to duly consider their pending representations and pass a speaking order within eight weeks.
The order came in response to OA No 1046/2025, filed by 10 SPOs, including Tariq Ahmad Khandey and others, who challenged their sudden disengagement. The applicants, represented by Advocate P S Ahmad, alleged that despite serving faithfully for years, they were stopped from performing duties without issuance of formal orders. They argued that the action violated Rule 359 of the J&K Police Rules, 1960, and principles of natural justice.
The SPOs contended that they had submitted at least 15 written representations before the competent authorities, but none were addressed. They also relied on provisions of the Police Act, 1983, which equates SPOs’ powers and protections with those of regular police personnel.
While acknowledging that discipline is central to policing, the Tribunal, presided over by Member (Judicial) M S Latif, held that disengagement cannot be carried out in an “arbitrary, illegal and unfair manner.” It directed the authorities, including the Home Department and senior police officers, to consider the matter in light of the J&K High Court’s ruling in Dilshada Begum Versus State of J&K (2025).
The respondents have been asked to take a final call within two months of receiving the order, giving the petitioners a ray of hope for reinstatement or at least a fair hearing in their long-pending case.
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