Jammu, June 9, 2026: In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench, has granted interim relief to 136 Academic Arrangement Lecturers and Teaching Assistants serving in Winter Zone Government Degree Colleges of Jammu Division by directing the Higher Education Department to continue their services till July 31, 2026 for the Academic Session 2025-26.
The order was passed in OA No. 836/2026, wherein the applicants challenged a communication dated May 29, 2026, which directed the cessation of their engagement with effect from May 31, 2026.
Appearing for the applicants, Advocate N.D. Qazi argued that the action of the department was contrary to Government Order No. 137-JK(HE) of 2024 dated March 1, 2024, which provides that Academic Arrangement Faculty in Winter Zone Colleges shall remain engaged for one academic session, excluding winter vacations only. He contended that the academic session for Winter Zone Colleges continues till July 31, 2026, and therefore the faculty members are entitled to continue till the completion of the session.
Advocate Qazi further highlighted the disparity between Jammu and Kashmir divisions, submitting that Academic Arrangement Faculty in Kashmir Division colleges had been allowed to continue till July 2026, while similarly placed faculty members in Jammu Division were being disengaged. He argued that such differential treatment violated Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution and adversely affected both the faculty and students of remote and far-flung colleges.
The respondents, represented by Advocate Rajesh Thappa, opposed the plea, contending that academic activities in Jammu Division colleges had concluded on May 31, 2026, and therefore the engagements could not continue beyond that date.
After hearing both sides, the Tribunal observed the matter and, as an interim measure, directed the respondents to continue the services of the applicants in their respective colleges till July 31, 2026, on the same pattern as being followed in colleges of Kashmir Division.
The order has brought major relief to 136 Academic Arrangement Faculty members and ensured continuity of academic support to students in Winter Zone Colleges pending final adjudication of the case.
