CAT Orders Joining for 8 Jat Constables

Chandigarh : In a significant ruling, the Chandigarh Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has directed the recruitment department to provide joining letters to eight Jat constables, stating that the department cannot define the Other Backward Class (OBC) category in its own terms. The constables were recruited in 2023, but their joining had been delayed due to the ongoing dispute regarding the categorization of their status. The tribunal emphasized that the department’s attempt to determine the OBC definition was unjustified and ordered immediate action.

The controversy began when the eight Jat candidates were recruited under the OBC category. However, their recruitment process faced hurdles as the department questioned their eligibility under the category, arguing that their inclusion in the OBC group was not in line with the state’s or the central government’s official norms. The constables had been awaiting the department’s approval for their joining, but their future remained uncertain due to the legal battle over OBC status.

The tribunal’s order has provided a significant relief to the constables, who were left in a state of limbo due to bureaucratic delays. According to the CAT ruling, the recruitment process for these constables must be completed without further delay, and they are to be given their joining letters immediately. The CAT also criticized the department’s stance on the OBC definition and ruled that it was not within their jurisdiction to interpret or impose a new definition.

The ruling could set a precedent for future recruitment cases where disputes over OBC eligibility may arise. The department is now required to comply with the CAT’s directions and issue the necessary orders to formalize the joining process of the eight Jat constables. This decision has been hailed as a victory for transparency and justice in recruitment processes, ensuring that qualified candidates are not unfairly held back due to administrative issues.

The case has brought attention to the need for clearer guidelines in categorizing candidates under the OBC category in recruitment processes. Experts suggest that clearer policies will help avoid similar legal challenges in the future.