J&K&L High Court Issues Notice On PIL Alleging Non-Implementation Of Public Service Guarantee Act, Seeks Response From UT Govt

The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court issued notice in a Public Interest Litigation seeking effective implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Guarantee Act, 2011 (PSGA) and the Rules framed thereunder.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal was hearing the PIL filed by Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, a doctor, environmentalist and social activist.

Allegations Of Non-Implementation

The petitioner contended that despite repeated government circulars directing compliance with the PSGA, several departments have failed to implement its mandate in letter and spirit.

Relying on responses obtained through Right to Information (RTI) applications, the petitioner submitted that key departments such as Home, Revenue and Transport allegedly maintain no records regarding mandatory inspections, awareness programmes or penalties imposed under the Act.

It was further submitted that even the General Administration Department (GAD), in response to RTI queries, conceded that no records were available concerning expenditure on trainings, awareness programmes or mandatory inspections.

The petition also alleges that the Public Service Management Cell, established in 2012, has failed to discharge its statutory functions as envisaged under Rule 17 of the PSGA Rules.

Upon issuance of notice, Deputy Advocate General Hakim Aman Ali accepted notice on behalf of the Union Territory and sought time to seek instructions and file a response.

The Bench adjourned the matter to March 04, 2026 for further consideration.

Case-Title: Sheikh Ghulam Rasool vs Union Territory of J&K and anr.2026

Click Here To Read/Download Order