Kargil, Apr 16: Qureshi Tariq Mehmood, Administrative Secretary, Law, Union Territory of Ladakh, on Tuesday directed law officers to expedite action in pending cases and ensure strict adherence to court procedures, while reviewing the litigation status across departments.
Chairing a meeting with Associate Law Officers from various directorates and departments, Mehmood undertook a detailed assessment of cases pending before the Central Administrative Tribunal Srinagar Bench and other judicial forums, with particular attention to delays in filing responses and compliance with court directions.
He emphasised that timely submission of replies and pleadings must be treated as a priority, cautioning officers against any lapse in tracking judicial orders. Stressing accountability, the Secretary instructed that mechanisms be put in place to ensure that no court directive is overlooked and that all cases are monitored with diligence.
Officials were also asked to strengthen coordination between departments and legal wings to avoid procedural bottlenecks that contribute to pendency. The review highlighted gaps in follow-up action, with directions issued to address delays through systematic monitoring and improved case management practices.
The meeting assumes importance in the backdrop of rising litigation involving service and administrative matters, where delays often impact governance and decision-making. Mehmood underscored the need for effective legal representation to safeguard the interests of the administration.
Reaffirming its focus on improving the efficiency of legal processes, the Law Department indicated that periodic reviews would be conducted to track progress and ensure adherence to timelines, signalling a more structured approach to handling litigation in the Union Territory.
