SRINAGAR: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) to file a detailed affidavit on candidates who were unable to appear in a recent competitive examination owing to widespread disruption of air services across the country.
The direction was issued while hearing a petition filed by Syed Mudawar Shamus, who has challenged the conduct of the examination during a nationwide aviation crisis marked by large-scale flight cancellations. The Tribunal has sought specific information on the number of aspirants affected by aviation-related issues, observing that such data would be relevant in assessing whether the disruption had a systemic impact on the fairness of the examination process.
During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioner, Advocate Aasifa Rashid Padder, submitted that several candidates travelling from outside the Union Territory were prevented from reaching their examination centres due to the disruption of air services. It was argued that despite airline advisories, directives issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and extensive public reporting on the crisis, the JKPSC proceeded with the examination without evaluating its consequences for affected aspirants.
Taking note of the submissions, the Tribunal also asked the JKPSC to clarify what decision, if any, it had taken on the official communication issued by the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. The communication had reportedly urged the Commission to take cognisance of the prevailing aviation crisis and consider postponing the examination for a reasonable period in the interest of equity and equal opportunity.
The petitioner further contended that the examination in question was his final attempt due to the prescribed upper age limit, and that his inability to appear because of circumstances beyond his control had caused him irreparable prejudice.
The Tribunal noted that the affidavit to be filed by the JKPSC would form a crucial part of the record and would assist the court in the further adjudication of the matter. The case has been listed for further hearing on December 29.
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, is facing one of its most severe operational disruptions in recent years, with over a thousand flights cancelled across multiple states.
