Srinagar, Aug 5: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, on Wednesday directed the Superintendent of Police, Awantipora, to arrest the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of the Islamic University of Science and Technology after observing what it described as continued non-compliance with its orders in a contempt case.
The Tribunal, comprising Member (Judicial) M.S. Latif and Member (Administrative) Prasant Kumar, said the university authorities had repeatedly failed to comply with judicial directions despite being granted several opportunities. In a strongly worded order, the Bench remarked that “the shadows of consequences are long and cold,” while stressing that persistent disobedience of court orders could not be overlooked.
The contempt proceedings arise from a petition filed by Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Imran alleging non-compliance with an earlier interim order of the Tribunal. The Bench noted that previous directions, including the filing of compliance reports and personal appearances, had not been satisfactorily complied with.
According to the Tribunal, the compliance report submitted by the university failed to satisfy the requirements of its earlier directions. It observed that judicial orders must be obeyed in both letter and spirit, adding that repeated delays and non-compliance undermine the authority of the judicial system and erode public confidence in the rule of law.
Directing immediate action, the Tribunal ordered the SP, Awantipora, to execute the arrest of Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo and Registrar Shamim Ahmad Shah and secure their presence before the Tribunal on the next date of hearing.
The Bench further observed that contempt of court is not merely a procedural lapse but a challenge to the administration of justice, reiterating that no individual or institution is above the law.
The matter will now come up before the Tribunal after execution of its directions.
