Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 30: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Srinagar Bench has come down heavily on Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K) for willful defiance of its directives, cautioning Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganie and Dean, Veterinary Sciences, Dr Riaz Ahmad Shah of criminal contempt proceedings.
The Tribunal was hearing a contempt plea filed by Dr Abdul Shakoor Bhat, who alleged blatant non-compliance of its earlier order dated August 19, 2025. The Bench had clearly directed that Dr Bhat should not be relieved from his post until further orders, while also seeking a reply and status report on whether his transfer had been issued by an incompetent authority with mala fide intent.
However, in stark violation, the Dean issued a fresh order on August 21, 2025, directing Dr Bhat to resume duties at SKUAST’s Wadoora campus. More controversially, the Dean is reported to have told Dr Bhat that the Vice Chancellor is not answerable to the Tribunal and need not appear before it.
Taking serious note of what it called “brazen defiance,” the Bench comprising Member (J) M S Latif and Member (A) Prasant Kumar reminded the contemnors that under Section 17 of the Administrative Tribunal Act, 1985, the CAT enjoys the same jurisdiction as a High Court in contempt matters.
The Tribunal underlined that it is empowered to initiate both civil and criminal contempt, even suo motu, if its orders are disobeyed.
The Bench observed, “the Contempt of Courts Act exists to secure confidence of people in the administration of justice. Non-compliance of judicial orders shakes the authority, dignity and efficacy of law.”
Issuing notice, the Tribunal directed the respondents to submit a compliance report before the next hearing on September 3, 2025 and asked Dean to specifically show cause why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated in light of the affidavit-backed allegations.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
