Srinagar / News Desk
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has sought a detailed response from the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) over its decision to hold a competitive examination during a period marked by widespread disruption in air travel across the country.
The direction came while hearing a petition filed by Syed Mudawar Shamus, who has challenged the conduct of the examination on grounds of fairness and equal opportunity. The petitioner argued that large-scale flight cancellations and interruptions in aviation services prevented several candidates, particularly those travelling from outside the Union Territory, from reaching their examination centres on time.
During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioner, Advocate Aasifa Rashid Padder, submitted that the aviation disruption was well documented through airline advisories, regulatory directions, and extensive media coverage. Despite this, it was contended that the JKPSC went ahead with the examination without properly assessing the difficulties faced by aspirants dependent on air travel.
Taking note of these submissions, the Tribunal directed the JKPSC to file an affidavit detailing how many candidates were unable to appear for the examination due to aviation-related issues. The Court observed that such data would be crucial in determining whether the disruption had a broader impact on the integrity and fairness of the examination process.
The Tribunal has also asked the JKPSC to clarify the action taken, if any, on a formal communication issued by the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, in which the Commission was urged to consider postponing the examination in view of the national aviation crisis. The Court noted that the response to this communication would be relevant in assessing whether due consideration was given to ensuring equity among candidates.
The petitioner has further submitted that the examination in question was his last permissible attempt due to age restrictions, and that his inability to appear because of circumstances beyond his control has caused serious and irreversible harm to his career prospects.
The Tribunal has listed the matter for further hearing on December 29, directing the JKPSC to place its affidavit on record before the next date. The contents of the affidavit are expected to play a key role in the Court’s subsequent consideration of the case.
