JKSSB-Aptech Row: Division bench requests single bench to decide case afresh

SRINAGAR — A division bench of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court on Friday requested the single bench to hear and decide afresh a petition challenging the engagement of Mumbai-based Aptech firm by the Jammu & Kashmir administration for conducting job tests. It set aside the single bench order cancelling the allotment of a contract to the firm and maintained its interim directions shall remain in force.

The division comprising Justice Tabi Rabistan and Justice M. A. Choudhary today remitted the writ petition back to the writ court for deciding the matter afresh.

“……Therefore, in view of what has been discussed above, we, without discussing the merits of the case, deem it proper to dispose of the appeals and remit the writ petition back to the Writ Court for deciding the matter afresh. Ordered accordingly. Accordingly, the order and judgment impugned is hereby set aside, the writ petition is restored to its original number and the writ petition is remitted back to the learned Single Judge with a request to decide the matter afresh,” reads the order as per the news agency KNO.

The order further reads, “Writ respondents through their learned counsel are directed to file objections/counter to the writ petition within two weeks from today, thereafter, rejoinder, if any, to be filed within next one week. Registry is directed to list the writ petition before the learned Single Judge on 5th of April, 2023, when the learned Single Judge is requested to finally decide the writ petition. Till then interim direction dated 09.12.2022 shall remain in force.”

In its interim directions on December 9, the division bench had directed that J&K Services Selection Board shall proceed with the selection process of Junior Engineer (Jal Shakti Department) and Sub-Inspector (Home Department), however, the result of the same shall await further orders from this Court.

Blacklisting period of Aptech over in May 2022: JKSSB Chairman

Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) chairman Rajesh Sharma on Friday assured the youth that there will be no compromise on transparency and merit while the blacklisting period of Aptech recruitment agency is over.

Addressing the press conference here at Jammu, he said the blacklisting period is for three years and this company’s period got over in May 2022 while recruitment is being done in a free and fair manner. He also said the particular agency is already conducting exams across the country and at the Centre.

He further said that the present protests seem to be motivated to derail the functioning of the board. “There are certain elements spreading distortion and misinformation on the issue,” he added.

“We are very much aware of your concerns and all efforts will be made to conduct exams in a fair, transparent and secure manner. Do not pay heed to rumour mongers and those with ulterior motives, who are only here to disrupt the processes,” Sharma assured aspirants.

He further said that justice will be ensured while the ability and merit of youth will be respected and strict action will be taken against all those elements who are trying to harm the future of meritorious aspirants.

On the allegation against the recruitment agency, he said that the matter is sub-judice and the High Court will take a decision in the matter. “The issue will be settled by the law and not by sloganeering. The instant protests seem to be an attempt to influence the High Court,” he added.