In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir government has revoked the suspension of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, a senior political science lecturer at a government school in Srinagar. Bhat had faced suspension following his appearance before the Supreme Court in connection with the abrogation of Article 370.
The decision to reinstate Bhat comes after the Supreme Court had intervened, directing the Attorney General R Venkata Ramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to investigate the matter, reports Indian Express.
Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, a respected senior lecturer at the Government Higher Secondary School in Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, was labeled a “delinquent officer” and suspended by Alok Kumar, the principal secretary to the government of school education. The suspension order cited the violation of provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Regulations (CSR) and the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, as the reason for his removal. “Pending enquiry into his conduct, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, senior lecturer, political science, presently posted at Government Higher Secondary School, Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar, is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect for violation of provisions of J&K CSR, Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (conduct) Rules,1971,” the order read.
The incident unfolded during a hearing by a five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, which was reviewing petitions challenging changes made to Article 370. During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal raised the issue of Bhat’s suspension, stating that he had been suspended just a day after his appearance before the apex court.
Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud expressed concern over the situation, saying, “Just see what has happened. Somebody who appears in this court is suspended. Have a look into it. Just talk to the Lieutenant Governor.” He also questioned the timing of the suspension, asking why it occurred so closely following Bhat’s appearance before the Supreme Court.
In response to the Chief Justice’s remarks, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta contended that such actions should not be taken as acts of retribution.
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