Srinagar: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, has sought a detailed response from the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) on the action taken with regard to a letter written by the Chief Minister to the Commission’s Chairman, requesting postponement of the JKAS (Combined Competitive) Preliminary Examination.
The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s letter had flagged widespread flight disruptions across the country, which, it was argued, prevented several candidates, particularly those travelling from outside Jammu and Kashmir, from reaching their examination centres on time.
During the hearing, the Tribunal, directed the JKPSC to place on record, through an affidavit, the steps taken after receipt of the Chief Minister’s communication. The Commission has also been asked to specify the number of candidates who could not appear in the examination due to the flight crisis.
The Tribunal has fixed December 29 as the next date of hearing in the matter.
Importantly, the CAT has not passed any interim order staying or withholding the declaration of the JKAS Preliminary Examination results. In the absence of any restraining direction from the Tribunal, it is expected that the JKPSC may proceed with the declaration of the results before the next hearing.
The case assumes significance amid concerns raised by aspirants over travel-related hardships and administrative clarity surrounding the conduct of the examination. The Tribunal is likely to examine the extent of disruption and the Commission’s response before taking any further view in the matter.
