CAT pulls up J&K Govt for ignoring orders, stops salaries of two IAS officers

Taking serious view of the non-compliance of Order dated 30.12.2024 passed by a Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) at Jammu comprising Rajender Singh Dogra, Member (J) and Ram Mohan Johri, Member (A) whereby Original Application (O.A.) filed by Former IFS Officer and Member J&K PSC (Retd.) Ruplal Bharti was allowed and directions were issued to the Govt. of J&K in GAD and Forest Department to upgrade the applicant (R.L. Bharti) from the post of Chief Wildlife Warden (IFS Cadre Post) to the level of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) for the period from 17.05.2006 to 29.05.2006 strictly in accordance with Rule 4(2) of the IFS Cadre Rules, 1966 r/w Order dated 10.10.2018 passed in R.A. No.61/18/2018 titled Ruplal Bharti V/s State of J&K and Ors.

A Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) comprising Justice K. Haripal, Member (J) and Ram Mohan Johri, Member (A) in a contempt petition filed by the applicant (R.L. Bharti) after expressing displeasure over the non-implementation of directions in the matter, observed that from the perusal of the orders of this Tribunal, it is clear that Ld. AAG is taking time on the pretext of filing writ petition before the Hon’ble High Court. 

Last time, this Tribunal had cautioned the respondents that in case the order is not complied with, coercive action would be taken against them and even today Ld. AAG seeks further time which cannot be appreciated.

While adjourning the matter to 29.05.2026, the Bench of the CAT directed that till then Commissioner/Secretary to Govt. of J&K, General Administration Department namely M. Raju (IAS) and Commissioner/Secretary to Govt. of J&K, Department of Environment, Forests and Wildlife namely Sheetal Nanda (IAS) are restrained from drawing their salary.