Directs Commission to disclose impact on candidates, evaluate fairness
SRINAGAR: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has demanded a detailed explanation from the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) regarding its decision to conduct a competitive examination during last month’s nationwide aviation crisis, which saw thousands of flight cancellations.
During a hearing on a petition filed by candidate Syed Mudawar Shamus, the tribunal directed the JKPSC to file an affidavit detailing the number of aspirants who were unable to appear for the examination due to the air travel disruptions. The Court observed that this disclosure is essential to determine if the crisis systemically undermined the fairness of the examination process.
The petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Aasifa Rashid Padder, argued that despite widespread advisories from airlines, directives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and extensive media coverage of the cancellations, the JKPSC proceeded with the exam without assessing its impact on out-of-state candidates. The plea highlighted that many aspirants traveling from outside the Union Territory were effectively stranded.
In a significant development, the CAT also instructed the JKPSC to clarify its stance on an official communication from the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. The CM’s letter had reportedly urged the Commission to acknowledge the national crisis and postpone the examination to ensure equitable opportunity for all candidates.
The petitioner contended that this was his final attempt due to the upper age limit and that being denied a chance to appear for reasons beyond his control has caused “irreparable prejudice.”
The case, which spotlights the conflict between administrative schedules and extraordinary external disruptions, has been listed for its next hearing on December 29. The affidavit from the JKPSC will form a crucial part of the judicial record and is expected to guide the tribunal’s final adjudication on the matter.