CAT imposes Rs 2000 costs on 2 officers

Srinagar, Aug 12: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Srinagar Monday imposed costs of Rs 2000 on Superintending Engineer (SE) of Power Development (M&RE) South Circle Pulwama and Executive Engineer, Electric Division Pulwama for not filing reply to a plea for five years

A bench of M S Latief Member (J) imposed the fine on the two authorities after observing that it was more than 6 years that the reply had not been filed as the matter pertained to the year 2018.

The court also observed that on June 6 this year, the government on behalf of the authorities had sought four weeks’ time for filing the response which was granted as “last chance”.

“Today, the matter came up for consideration. Reply has not been filed,” the tribunal observed and expressed its anguish and displeasure, the way court orders were being dealt with.

“A day is not far when the people will tend to lose faith in this sacred institution only for the reason that the respondents are not timely filing the response as such disposal of cases gets delayed,” the tribunal said.

The court noted that in the facts and circumstances, it was compelled to impose the exemplary costs of Rs 2000 to be deposited before the CAT Library Fund under a proper receipt by the SE, Power Development (M&RE) Wing South Circle Pulwama and Executive Engineer, Electric Division Pulwama. It said that the same be shared equally from their personal earnings.

The court said the costs, to be borne by the two officers, is only to sensitise the officers that in future every endeavour shall be made to file their response timely.

“Subject to exemplary costs, four weeks' time is granted to the respondents to file their reply, “The tribunal said. “In case, exemplary costs are not deposited, the Registry shall not accept the filing of response.”

It listed the matter for further hearing on September 12.