A struggle for Justice: The case of ZEPO Ruqshinda Kosser

Shyam Sood
Rajouri, April 16: In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu Bench, issued an interim order favouring Ruqshinda Kosser, a senior education official nearing retirement, who had challenged a recent transfer order citing medical grounds and service nearing completion.
Ruqshinda Kosser, currently serving as the Zonal Education Planning Officer (ZEPO) in Rajouri, had filed Original Application (O.A.) No. 424/2025 against the School Education Department, challenging Government Order No. 288-JK(Edu) of 2025 dated April 10, 2025.
This order directed her transfer from her current post to High School Chowdhary Nar, a remote and inaccessible area. What made the order contentious was the fact that Ruqshinda has only nine months left in service, as she is due to retire on February 2, 2026. Additionally, the applicant is reportedly suffering from medical disabilities, which made such a distant transfer not only impractical but potentially harmful to her well-being.
Represented by Advocate Arshad Majid Malik, the applicant argued before the Tribunal that the transfer order was arbitrary and unjust, especially given her critical medical condition and limited time left before retirement. He pleaded for immediate interim relief by staying the operation of the transfer order, asserting that the move was neither in public interest nor in accordance with compassionate administrative practices.
The respondents, represented by learned Additional Advocate General Mr. Sudesh Magotra, strongly opposed the plea. He contended that the transfer order was issued in the interest of the department and should be implemented as per routine service procedures.
However, after hearing both sides, the Tribunal found merit in the applicant’s arguments. Observing that a prima facie case had been made out, the Bench concluded that Ruqshinda Kosser deserved interim protection. The Tribunal remarked that the interests of justice would be best served by allowing her to continue at her present post.
Interim Relief Granted
Consequently, the CAT ordered a stay on the operation of the impugned Government Order as it pertained to Ruqshinda Kosser, until the next date of hearing. She has been permitted to continue at her current position as ZEPO, Rajouri, until further directions.
The matter is now listed for the next hearing on May 28, 2025, where the Tribunal will delve deeper into the legal validity of the transfer and whether due process and humanitarian considerations were adequately observed.
This interim order provides temporary relief to a veteran officer facing not just administrative reshuffling but also personal health challenges.