J&K lecturer removed for appearing before SC in Article 370 case, suspension revoked by govt.

J&K government revokes suspension of lecturer who appeared before Supreme Court on Article 370

The Jammu and Kashmir government has revoked the suspension of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, a senior political science lecturer at a government school in Srinagar. Bhat was removed from his position after appearing before the Supreme Court to discuss the abrogation of Article 370.

Background

A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court had asked Attorney General R Venkata Ramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to look into the suspension of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat. Bhat, a senior lecturer at a government school in Srinagar, was termed as a “delinquent officer” and suspended by the principal secretary to the government, school education, Alok Kumar.

Supreme Court’s response

A five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud had assembled to hear the petitions challenging the changes made to Article 370. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal raised the issue of Bhat’s suspension, stating that it occurred a day after Bhat appeared before the top court. The Chief Justice instructed the Attorney General to look into the matter and discuss it with the Lieutenant Governor.

Attorney General’s response

Attorney General Tushar Mehta stated that such actions cannot be seen as retribution. He acknowledged that if there were other reasons for the suspension apart from Bhat’s appearance in court, it would be a different matter.

Conclusion

The Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to revoke the suspension of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, the lecturer who appeared before the Supreme Court on Article 370, comes after the court’s intervention. The court had requested the Attorney General and Solicitor General to examine the suspension. This move highlights the significance of academic freedom and the protection of individuals expressing their opinions in a democratic society.

• The Jammu and Kashmir government has revoked the suspension of Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, a senior political science lecturer at a government school in Srinagar.
• The Supreme Court had asked the Attorney General and Solicitor General to look into the suspension.
• Bhat was suspended by the principal secretary to the government, school education, for violation of conduct rules.
• The Chief Justice of India instructed the Attorney General to discuss the matter with the Lieutenant Governor.
• The Attorney General stated that such actions cannot be seen as retribution.