Provide proper space for functioning of CAT in Jammu: SC tells Centre, J&K administration

Taking exception to the delay, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir Administration to provide a proper space within a month for functioning of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Jammu.

“The Union of India and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are directed to provide open space as soon as possible but not later than one month (for functioning of the CAT),” a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said.

While hearing a 2020 PIL filed by one Achal Sharma alleging lack of adequate space and staff for functioning of the CAT bench at Jammu, the Bench noted that earlier efforts to get space in a private building for the CAT did not fructify as there was a dispute over the ownership of the place in question.

The Bench said that at this pace, it will take years for securing a place of its own for the functioning of the CAT at Jammu.

On behalf of the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said the authorities had identified a building owned by the Jammu Development Authority where the CAT could be relocated.

Taking note of her submissions, the Bench said urgent steps had to be taken in this regard as it favoured a permanent building for the CAT, Jammu.

The top court directed the Centre and the UT administration to identify a site in Jammu to construct a permanent building and take steps in this regard in three months and asked them to file a status report by February, 2026.

The Bench had earlier said it would be prudent for the government not to deploy outsourced staff in judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.

“It is highly desirable that there should be a permanent building, along with proper courtrooms, chambers, offices and staff of the tribunal. It may not be prudent to deploy outsourced staff in judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, where maintenance of records, confidentiality and updating of records are day-to-day challenges,” it had said.

In August last year, noting a lack of infrastructure at the CAT, Jammu, the top court directed the tribunal’s judicial member to file a status report on the requirements, so that its day-to-day functioning is not hampered.