Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 16: The Food Safety Appellate Tribunal (FSAT) Jammu is without Presiding Officer despite the fact that the court was informed that the Presiding Officer for tribunal has been appointed.
Court on August 28 was informed that the Department of Health and Medical Education Department has issued a notification on August 24 under SRO 349 of 2017 and by virtue of this notification Ashok Kumar Koul (Rtd District and Sessions Judge) has been appointed as Presiding Officer of FSAT Jammu.
Koul has moved an application before the court seeking direction on H&ME Department for extension of his joining in respect of his appointment as Presiding Officer, FSAT Jammu as the officer is presently Presiding Officer, Central Industrial Tribunal cum Labour Court, Chandigarh.
Court has issued notice to H&ME Department in this connection as to why the appointing officer for FSAT Jammu has not been relieved from his earlier assignment. “Till date, Ashok Kumar, would not be required to join and assume charge as Presiding Officer FSAT at Jammu, unless he is otherwise relieved from his present assignment and is able to take charge”, Division Bench of Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey directed.
It may be mentioned that court on previous date had ordered for proper functioning of Food Safety Appellate Tribunal at Jammu. Court was also apprised that the funds are available and supporting staff would be put in place shortly.
Court had also directed that if there is any shortfall in so far as Food Safety Tribunals at Jammu as well as Srinagar that shall be fulfilled. But till date the Appellate Tribunal at Jammu is non-functional due to non-availability of its head (Presiding Officer).
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