In a significant move, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has announced a half-day closure for its principal bench in New Delhi and all outlying benches across the country in observance of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The decision comes following a memorandum issued by the Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions, calling for the closure of central government offices until 2:30 PM on January 22, the day of the historic event.
According to a notification issued on January 19, the CAT stated, “Principal Bench, New Delhi, and all the outlying Benches shall remain closed for half a day until 1430 hours to celebrate the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishta at Ayodhya.” However, a subsequent notification on the same day clarified that the principal bench in New Delhi would remain closed for the entire day.
About Central Administrative Tribunal:
“In continuation to the earlier notification dated 19.01.2024, it is notified for the general information of all concerned that Hon’ble The Chairman has been pleased to declare the remaining half day (i.e., 1430 hours to 1800 hours) on 22.01.2024 as non-working, i.e., a holiday, in respect of Central Administrative Tribunal, Principal Bench. In lieu thereof, the first half (i.e., 0930 hours to 1300 hours) on 03.02.2024 (Saturday) shall be a working day for this Bench,” mentioned the second notification.
The decision to close the CAT benches is not limited to the principal bench in New Delhi but extends to outlying benches as well. The move reflects the significance and cultural importance attributed to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, a momentous event in the history of Ayodhya.
Simultaneously, the Srinagar Bench of the Tribunal also issued a separate notification, announcing its closure until 2:30 PM on January 22. The closure is intended to enable employees to participate in the celebrations of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha at Ayodhya. The notification also highlighted a change in the working hours, indicating that the registry would remain open from 02:30 to 05:30 PM on January 22 for receiving urgent applications, as opposed to the previously notified hours.
The decision to observe a half-day closure by the Central Administrative Tribunal underscores the cultural and national significance of the Ram Mandir inauguration, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the historic event across government offices in the country. It also emphasizes the importance of cultural observance and participation in such celebrations, allowing employees to mark the occasion and be part of the nationwide festivities surrounding the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya.