Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 22
The government has directed administrative departments to submit court replies, affidavits and compliance reports within prescribed deadlines, warning that delays could lead to disciplinary accountability.
The Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs issued the instructions in a circular dated October 19, signed by Commissioner Secretary Achal Sethi.
The circular directs administrative departments and department heads to ensure effective government representation before courts and tribunals, with particular attention to contempt proceedings.
It cites an August 14 order by the Srinagar bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal in a case involving Ashwani Kumar and other officials.
Departments have been instructed to provide relevant records, documents, and factual information to government law officers and officers in charge of litigation well before filing deadlines.
In cases involving the implementation of judicial directions, departments must also supply updated compliance information supported by documentary evidence before the deadline set by the court or tribunal.
Officers in charge of litigation have been directed to coordinate closely with departments and law officers to ensure that replies and affidavits are filed on time.
The government warned that failures to provide records, instructions or compliance reports that result in missing filings or adverse judicial orders would be viewed seriously.
Responsibility would be fixed on the officials concerned under applicable rules, the circular said.
The instructions have been circulated to the Advocate General, administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, government counsel, senior police officials and other authorities.
The government said the measures were intended to strengthen its handling of litigation and reduce avoidable delays, particularly in contempt cases.
