Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has warned officers that delays in filing replies, affidavits and compliance reports in court cases will not be tolerated, and that responsibility will be fixed on those at fault.
In a circular, the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs directed all Administrative Departments, Heads of Departments and other concerned authorities to ensure “strict compliance” with a set of instructions. The aim is to secure effective representation of the Government before courts and tribunals, particularly in contempt proceedings.
The circular (No. 15-JK(LD) of 2026) refers to an August 14, 2026 order of the Central Administrative Tribunal’s Srinagar Bench in a contempt petition, C.P. No. 520/2025, titled Ashwani Kumar vs. H. Rajesh Prasad & Ors., which arose out of T.A. No. 733/2022.
“Departments must give complete records, relevant documents and specific factual inputs to the concerned Law Officer and Officer In-charge Litigation (OIC) well in advance, so replies and affidavits can be prepared and filed on time”, the government stated.
“In cases involving implementation of judicial directions, the latest compliance status, backed by documentary evidence, must reach the Law Officer and OIC well before the hearing date”, the circular reads as.
“The OIC must coordinate closely with the Administrative Department and the Law Officer to ensure timely filing before the respective courts and tribunals”, the circular reads, adding, “Any delay or failure to provide records, instructions or compliance reports that results in non-filing of replies or affidavits, or in adverse judicial orders, “shall be viewed seriously”. Responsibility will be fixed on the officers concerned under the applicable rules” |
