Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The Central Administrative Tribunal has sought a detailed response from the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission over its decision to conduct a competitive examination amid a nationwide aviation disruption, raising questions about fairness and equal opportunity for candidates.
The directions came while hearing a petition filed by Syed Mudawar Shamus. During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioner, Advocate Aasifa Rashid Padder, submitted that widespread flight cancellations and severe disruption of air services across the country had prevented several aspirants from reaching their examination centres. It was argued that despite airline advisories, directives issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and extensive public reporting on the crisis, the JKPSC went ahead with the examination without evaluating its impact on candidates travelling from outside the Union Territory.
Taking note of these submissions, the Court directed the JKPSC to file an affidavit detailing the number of candidates who were unable to appear in the examination due to aviation related disruptions. The Court observed that such information would help determine whether the crisis had a systemic impact on the fairness of the examination process.
The Tribunal has also asked the JKPSC to clarify what decision, if any, was taken on the official communication issued by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. In the letter, the Chief Minister had urged the Commission to take cognisance of the national aviation crisis and to postpone the examination for a reasonable period in the interest of equity and equal opportunity.
The petitioner contended that the examination in question was his final attempt due to the upper age limit, and that being denied the opportunity to appear because of circumstances beyond his control had caused irreparable prejudice. The Court noted that the affidavit sought from the JKPSC would play a significant role in the further adjudication of the matter.
The case has been listed for further hearing on 29 December, with the response from the JKPSC expected to form a crucial part of the record.
