JKPSC Prelims: CAT Srinagar seeks response on re-exam plea from aspirant who missed test due to IndiGo mess

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar Bench, has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) to file a detailed response in a case involving a civil services aspirant who missed the JKPSC Prelims examination due to nationwide flight disruptions.

The order was passed on December 17, in an original application filed by Syed Mudawar Shamus.

The applicant was scheduled to travel from Hyderabad to Baramulla, Srinagar, to appear in Paper-I of the JKPSC Preliminary examination. However, flight disruptions on the day of travel prevented him from reaching the examination centre in time, resulting in the forfeiture of his attempt.

JKPSC gets 10 days to respond

Challenging the conduct of the examination under these circumstances, the applicant argued that the situation was beyond his control. His petition to the CAT Srinagar seeks setting aside of the December 7 preliminary examination or, alternatively, the conduct of a special re-examination for candidates affected by flight cancellations and delays.

The plea also seeks a declaration that JKPSC’s actions were arbitrary and violative of Articles 14, 16 and 21 of the Constitution.

The applicant has urged the commission to treat his case as an exceptional circumstance and allow him to either reappear in Paper-I or be considered for the next stage of the selection process, subject to merit.

The counsel representing JKPSC accepted notice and requested time to file a response. The tribunal granted the commission ten days to submit its reply.

CAT has also directed JKPSC to place on record details regarding the number of candidates who were unable to appear in the examination due to IndiGo flight disruptions.

The commission has further been asked to clarify whether any action was taken on a prior representation submitted by the applicant.

The tribunal additionally sought JKPSC’s response on the plea for framing guidelines to deal with examinations during nationwide emergencies, including large-scale travel disruptions that affect candidates’ ability to reach examination centres.

The case has been listed for further hearing on December 29 2025, under the admission category.