CAT grants interim relief to Jammu Dental College Tutor under Academic Rules

Srinagar: Providing interim relief to an oral pathologist whose contract was nearing its end, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to allow him to continue working as a Tutor in the Department of Oral Pathology at Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Amphala, Jammu, on a contractual basis under J&K Medical & Dental Education (Appointment on Academic Arrangement Basis) Rules, 2020.

As per the order, the doctor may continue working for one year, which can be extended up to six years if his performance is satisfactory. To confirm his satisfactory performance, the HOD of the Oral Pathology department will accordingly provide him with a conduct certificate.

Rule 4 of the J&K Medical & Dental Education (Appointment on Academic Arrangement Basis) Rules, 2020, allows extensions up to six years if performance is satisfactory.

The order was passed by a Bench comprising Judicial Member Rajinder Singh Dogra and Administrative Member Ram Mohan Johri while hearing an application filed by Dr Dinesh Chouhan.

Also read- Non-Compliance! CAT attaches GMC Principal's Salary

The applicant had approached the Tribunal seeking extension of his contractual appointment under the J&K Medical & Dental Education (Appointment on Academic Arrangement Basis) Rules, 2020, notified through SRO 364.

During the hearing, the bench noted that the doctor had completed only three years of service and was still eligible for an extension, as per Rule 4.

"The appointing authority may appoint persons to the posts mentioned under Rule 3 on an academic arrangement basis initially for a period of one year extendable up to a maximum of six years (one year at a time and subject to good performance and conduct) or till selection/promotion is made in accordance with the rules of recruitment governing the respective posts, whichever is earlier. The extension so granted under these rules shall not be beyond a period of six years under any circumstances. In the present case, the applicant has completed only three years, which can be extended up to six years," said the judicial members, as reported by Cross Town News.

However, the government’s counsel, Additional Advocate General Sudesh Magotra, opposed the plea, but the Tribunal observed that the applicant was still eligible under the rules.

Accordingly, the Tribunal directed the authorities to allow him to work until the matter is finally decided and asked the government to submit its response by the next hearing on November 4, 2025.

Also read- Madras HC upholds mass transfer of ESIC doctors, overturns CAT decision