SC asks Centre, J&K admn to provide space for functioning of CAT at Jammu

Taking strong note of 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 the 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 suitable space as soon as possible, but not later than one month, for the functioning of the CAT,” a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant said.

While hearing a 2020 public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Achal Sharma alleging a lack of adequate space and staff for the functioning of the CAT Bench in Jammu, the court noted that earlier efforts to secure premises in a private building did not materialise due to a dispute over the ownership of the property.

The Bench observed that at the current pace, it would take years to secure a permanent location for the CAT in Jammu.

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that the authorities had identified a building owned by the Jammu Development Authority where the CAT could be relocated. Taking note of the submission, the Bench said urgent steps must be taken, reiterating its preference for a permanent building for the CAT in Jammu.

The Supreme Court also directed the Centre and the UT administration to identify a site in Jammu for constructing a permanent building for the tribunal and to initiate necessary steps within three months. The authorities were asked to file a status report by February 2026.

Earlier, the Bench had observed that 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 with proper courtrooms, chambers, offices and staff for 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,” the court had said.

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

SC adjourns hearing on plea of Wangchuk’s wife to January 7

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned to January 7, 2026, the hearing on a plea filed by Gitanjali J Angmo, wife of jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, against his detention under the National Security Act on September 26.

A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria deferred the matter due to paucity of time. The plea claims that the detention is illegal and an arbitrary exercise violating his fundamental rights On November 24, the SC had deferred the matter after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and the UT of Ladakh, sought time to respond to the rejoinder filed by Angmo. — PTI