"Supreme Court Requests Central Government to Probe Suspension of Lecturer Linked to Article 370 Case
A senior lecturer from the School Education Department, Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, who reportedly presented arguments in the ongoing challenge against the abrogation of Article 370 before the Supreme Court, has been suspended. The matter was raised before a Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, during the hearing of the Article 370 case.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal brought to the Court's attention that Dr. Bhat had been suspended after advocating against the Article 370 abrogation in the apex court. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta acknowledged that he learned of the suspension from news reports and noted that Dr. Bhat also appeared in other courts for various cases.
Sibal expressed his concerns, questioning the timing of the suspension and suggesting it was unfair if it was indeed related to Dr. Bhat's appearance in the court against Article 370.
In response, the CJI urged SG Mehta to communicate with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir to investigate the reasons behind the suspension. The CJI also highlighted that if the suspension was based on reasons unrelated to the ongoing case, it could be considered reasonable. However, if it was in retaliation for the professor's appearance in the case, he emphasized the need for a thorough review.
SG Mehta emphasized that individuals have the right to appear in court and should not face suspension as a form of retribution. He concurred that the timing of the suspension was inappropriate.
Justice BR Gavai noted that if the suspension was indeed linked to Dr. Bhat's involvement in the case, it would indicate punitive action.
Dr. Bhat's suspension by the Jammu and Kashmir administration occurred on August 25. He had acted as a petitioner-in-person in an interlocutory application concerning Article 370 and presented arguments before the Constitution Bench on August 23.
According to the Union Territory administration, Dr. Bhat will remain assigned to the office of Director School Education, Jammu, during the suspension period."
TAGS: Supreme Court Central government suspension lecturer School Education Department Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Bhat Article 370 case Constitution Bench Chief Justice of India CJI DY Chandrachud Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal abrogation Solicitor General SG Tushar Mehta retribution Lieutenant Governor Jammu & Kashmir unfair appearance retaliation Justice BR Gavai interlocutory application Union Territory administration Director School Education Jammu.
