National

CAT Halts JKAS Officer’s Salary Over Non-Response in Sexual Harassment Case

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), consisting of Member (J) Rajinder Singh Dogra and Member (A) Ram Mohan Johri, has expressed strong discontent over the failure of Shubhra Sharma, the former Director of Animal Husbandry in Jammu, to respond to a complaint of sexual harassment in the workplace. As a consequence, the Tribunal has ordered an immediate halt to her salary.

Shubhra Sharma, who is now the Managing Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), falls under the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.

These decisive instructions were issued in response to a petition filed by Anu Bala, an Assistant Director in the Fisheries Department currently based in Udhampur. Bala challenged the findings of the Committee Against Sexual Harassment at Workplace (CASH), which was chaired by Sharma. Bala argued that the committee failed to adhere to the prescribed procedures and Guidelines/SOPs established by the Government of India based on the Vishakha Guidelines, consequently undermining the legal framework outlined by the Supreme Court.

The CAT took serious note of the lackadaisical approach exhibited by the Chairperson of the CASH Committee within the Animal Husbandry Department. Upon reviewing the records, the Tribunal found that the respondents had been given multiple final opportunities to submit their replies—on 18-10-2024, 20-11-2024, 18-12-2024, and 10-02-2025—with warnings that coercive action would be initiated if they failed to comply. However, despite the ample time provided, they neglected to file their responses or present themselves before the court to clarify the delays.

The Tribunal expressed its frustration over the indifference shown by the senior JKAS officer and her failure to take court directives seriously. The Bench remarked, “The non-filing of replies by the respondents unnecessarily delays justice for litigants; justice delayed is justice denied. Litigants who lack access to administration turn to this court in the hope of receiving justice. It is regrettable that the apathetic attitude of certain officials is eroding public trust in the judicial system. However, innocent victims of legal disputes should not suffer due to the negligence of the respondents.”

The Tribunal underscored the principle that “no one is above the law” and, in order to uphold its integrity, felt compelled to issue this critical order.

Consequently, the Tribunal mandated the immediate cessation of Shubhra Sharma’s salary until further notice and instructed her Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) to comply with this order.

National

Jammu University Introduces Fuel-Saving Measures

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2026

Namma Kudla

National : The University of Jammu has announced several fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai said the university has decided to conduct all PhD viva voce examinations online to reduce travel and save fuel.

The university will also prefer virtual speakers for national and international conferences. In another step, the Academic Council meeting planned in Poonch has been shifted to the Jammu University campus to avoid unnecessary travel.

Prof Rai said the measures will help save fuel, time and resources. He also encouraged university staff to use bicycles and carpool while travelling to the campus.

National

One Year On: Pahalgam Attack Still Haunts the Nation

Published

4 weeks ago

April 21, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: One year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, the nation remembers the 26 people who lost their lives. The attack took place on April 22 at Baisaran, a popular tourist spot.

At first, reports said only five people were injured. Later, it became clear that it was one of the worst terror attacks in the region in decades. Terrorists came out of the forest and opened fire on tourists.

Survivors said the attackers separated men from women and children. They then shot the men at close range. Many victims were reportedly targeted after being asked about their religion.

A heartbreaking image of Himanshi Narwal sitting beside her husband’s body became a symbol of the tragedy. Her husband, a naval officer, was among those killed.

The group The Resistance front, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

After months of tracking, security forces launched Operation Mahadev. On July 28, 2025, all three terrorists were killed after a long search operation.

The attack remains a painful memory and a reminder of the need for strong security.

National

Social Media Influencer-Turned Gangster Held Abroad

Published

1 month ago

April 9, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Rao Inderjeet Yadav has been arrested in Dubai. He is wanted in a murder case from Haryana.

He fled India in 2024 after a businessman was killed in Rohtak. Police had been searching for him since then. Officials said Dubai authorities have asked for documents. He is likely to be brought back to India soon.

Yadav faces more than 15 criminal cases. These include extortion, fraud, and illegal land deals. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated him for money laundering. Raids led to the seizure of cash, cars, and documents.

He also ran a music company called Gems Tunes. It produced regional songs.

Yadav had a large social media following. He often showed his rich lifestyle online. He has denied all charges. He claims he is being framed.

Police are now preparing for further action.