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| CAT orders production of recruitment records in IUST Librarian case | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 15: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, has directed production of recruitment and service records relating to appointments made by the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) under Advertisement Notice No. 01 of 2024, while hearing a challenge arising out of the repatriation of Dr Sheikh Mohammad Imran from the post of Librarian.
The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Member (Judicial) M.S. Latif and Member (Administrative) Prasant Kumar in O.A. No. 997/2026 filed by Dr Sheikh Mohammad Imran against IUST and the University of Kashmir.
Dr Imran has challenged IUST Order No. 611/2026 dated June 1, 2026, seeking its quashing on the ground that the repatriation was illegal, arbitrary and without jurisdiction. He has also sought continuation as Librarian at IUST or, alternatively, permission to rejoin his substantive post at the University of Kashmir without prejudice to his rights in the pending proceedings.
The applicant was earlier serving as Assistant Librarian in the University of Kashmir. Following an advertisement issued by IUST, he participated in the selection process and was appointed Librarian in Academic Pay Level-14 through appointment order dated January 17, 2025. His technical resignation from the University of Kashmir was subsequently accepted, while his lien on the substantive post of Assistant Librarian was retained for one year.
During arguments, Advocate Faizan Majid Bhat, appearing for the applicant along with Ms Aatiya and Mr Irfaan Rasool, submitted that Dr Imran had been selected through a direct recruitment process and was not a deputationist. He argued that similarly situated candidates recruited through the same advertisement had subsequently been regularised or confirmed.
Appearing for the respondents, Syed Musaib, DAG, represented IUST, while Advocate Asif Maqbool appeared for the University of Kashmir.
After hearing the parties, the Tribunal directed the respondents to produce appointment orders of candidates selected pursuant to Advertisement Notice No. 01 of 2024, along with their service agreements and the service agreement of the applicant. The Tribunal also sought an explanation regarding the circumstances in which subsequent university orders were issued concerning other candidates selected through the same recruitment process.
The records have been ordered to be submitted in a sealed cover for the Tribunal's perusal through an officer not below the rank of Deputy Registrar.
On the issue of Dr Imran's lien with the University of Kashmir, the Tribunal directed the University to take a decision before September 17, 2026, noting that the existing lien was due to expire on that date. It further clarified that even if the applicant rejoins the University of Kashmir, his rights raised in O.A. Nos. 552/2026 and 997/2026 would remain subject to the final outcome of both cases.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on October 27, 2026. |
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