Mehbooba Mufti Slams CAT Order, Says Urdu Being Communalised

Srinagar, July 16 – PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has criticised the recent decision by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) to halt a rule requiring Urdu language proficiency for Naib Tehsildar posts in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it “deeply unfortunate” and indicative of judicial influence by divisive politics.

The CAT ruling put a temporary stay on provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, 2009, which mandated a degree along with knowledge of Urdu for eligibility to the post.

Mufti, former Chief Minister of the erstwhile state, said Urdu — a constitutionally recognised official language of J&K — is being unfairly “communalised.” She emphasized that administrative and revenue records are still maintained in Urdu, making it practical and necessary for Naib Tehsildar candidates to have a basic grasp of the language. She asserted the language requirement was driven by administrative logic, not communal bias.

The CAT’s intervention followed widespread protests — especially in the Jammu region — where political parties, particularly the BJP, labelled the Urdu language mandate as discriminatory. Responding to the order, the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) has suspended the recruitment process for Naib Tehsildars in the Revenue Department until further notice.

The JKSSB, in a notice, stated: “In view of the interim direction passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal, the process of inviting applications for the post of Naib Tehsildar (issued on June 9) is hereby deferred till further intimation/orders.”