Call for Permanent Infrastructure at Jammu & Kashmir CAT

The Supreme Court advocates for a permanent building and staff for the Jammu and Kashmir Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), discouraging the use of outsourced personnel in judicial entities. The court suggests that a stable infrastructure is vital for maintaining records and confidentiality in judicial operations.

The Supreme Court has strongly recommended the establishment of a permanent building with corresponding permanent staff for the Jammu and Kashmir Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). This initiative aims to curtail the current reliance on outsourced staff in judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, which can jeopardize record maintenance and confidentiality.

A bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, expressed concerns after being informed that the CAT is currently operating from a rented building with outsourced staff. According to the bench, with 26 of 58 sanctioned posts filled permanently and 10 by outsourced staff, the existing arrangement falls short of ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of case files.

The court advised the government to avoid temporary solutions, warning of potential disruptions if rental agreements change. Acknowledging similar infrastructure issues in the past, the Supreme Court underscored the importance of proper facilities for effective tribunal operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)