A senior lecturer of political science in Jammu and Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, has been suspended from the Union Territory’s education department by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. This comes four days after Bhat’s plea against the central government’s move to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional position was presented before the Supreme Court, as reported by The Hindu.
The School Education Department’s decision to suspend Bhat with immediate effect was based on alleged violations of provisions within the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Service Regulations, Jammu & Kashmir Government Employees Conduct Rules, and J&K Leave Rules. The suspension order stipulates that Bhat will remain attached to the office of the Director School Education Jammu during this period.
Bhat, who is also a holder of a law degree, personally appeared before the Supreme Court on the matter. He expressed his difficulties in teaching Indian politics since 2019, particularly in addressing questions from students about the state of democracy following the changes. He referred to the events of August 4, 2019, when despite assurances from then-Governor Satya Pal Malik that Article 370 would not be abrogated, a curfew was imposed overnight and former chief ministers were detained.
Bhat argued that the downgrade of J&K’s special status and its division into two Union Territories went against the principles of the Indian constitution. He contended that the move was executed without considering the consent of the people of J&K and Ladakh, and highlighted its contradiction with cooperative federalism and constitutional supremacy.
Furthermore, Bhat pointed out that while the Legislative Assembly was dissolved, the Legislative Council remained functional during the events of August 4-5, 2019. He argued that the then-Governor could have sought the Council’s concurrence before making recommendations regarding Article 370 to the President. However, the Council’s 36 members were reportedly ignored, and many of them were detained.
In response to the suspension, the Lieutenant Governor’s administration has directed Subah Mehta, Joint Director of School Education in Jammu, to initiate a thorough inquiry into Bhat’s conduct.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
