Srinagar, Nov 5: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar, has directed the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, to produce the complete recruitment record in a sealed cover after a candidate challenged the appointment of an Assistant Finance Officer, alleging irregularities in the selection process.
A division bench comprising Judicial Member M.S. Latif and Administrative Member Prasant Kumar issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by Naseer Ahmad Dar, a resident of Khawaja Bagh Tailbal, Srinagar, challenging University Order No. 22-Est of 2026, dated April 6, through which Zeeshan Nazir was appointed to the post.
During the hearing, counsel for the applicant, Advocate Shaqir Rajab, questioned the sequence of events, pointing out that the appointment order was issued on April 6, 2026, while the provisional selection list and waiting list for the same post were published on April 21, 2026.
The counsel argued that the appointment had been made 15 days before the publication of the selection and waiting lists, raising questions over the procedure followed by the university.
The applicant has also challenged subsequent university communications, including Office Order No. 842 of 2026, dated August 7, which reportedly treated the post as a fresh vacancy.
Dar, who figures at serial number one on the waiting list, has sought quashing of the appointment order and requested the Tribunal to direct the university to operate the waiting list and appoint him to the post. He has also sought directions restraining the university from re-advertising the position.
After examining the documents placed on record, the Tribunal observed that, prima facie, the appointment order was dated April 6, while the provisional selection list and waiting list were issued on April 21.
Describing the circumstances as peculiar, the bench issued notices to the respondents and directed Deputy Advocate General Syed Musaib, appearing on behalf of the official respondents, including the IUST Vice Chancellor, to submit the complete record relating to the selection of the Assistant Finance Officer in a sealed cover, along with the response.
The Tribunal also directed the applicant to take necessary steps to serve notice to the private respondent, Zeeshan Nazir.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 23, 2026.
