Alka Verma –
Published On: October 05, 2021 at 09:30 IST
The Supreme Court of India obsered that even if there is a dispute regarding the vacancies in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), it has to be filled.
The Court made such observation while it was dealing with a Contempt Petition of the order issued on 4th January 2021, in which the Apex Court directed the Centre to accelerate the appointment of the 4 vacant posts in CAT.
The Contempt Petition was preferred by Ajesh Luthra, who is the President of the Central Administrative Tribunal (“CAT”) Bar Association.
A Divisional Bench comprising Justices LN Rao and BR Gavai was hearing the matter and observed that“What is happening with the vacancies? Vacancies have to be filled up even if there is a dispute regarding them. We’ll be happy if you fill the 34 vacancies,”
While the Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, who was appearing for President of CAT Bar Association stated that instead of the order of Supreme Court where they asked to fill up 4 vacancies, for now only 2 has been filled and moreover the selections have been done after the recommendations.
Also, pointing to the affidavit of 1st October, 2021, Adv. Maninder stated that for now 35 vacancies are left to be filled.
“These recommendations have been made. There were 4 vacancies & recommendations were there. If future vacancies are there, why are they not being appointed?” added the Counsel.
The Court at the end asked the Attorney General to file the minutes of the meeting and listed the matter for hearing after the Dussehra vacation.
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