V Dhana Laxmi v. The Honorable Lieutenant Governor And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA

[ CIRCUIT BENCH AT PORT BLAIR ] *** WPA/62/2026 V.Dhana Laxmi Vs The Hon'ble Lt. Governor & Others Mr. Gopala Binnu Kumar Ms. Vinita Devi ... for the petitioner Mr. Rakesh Kumar Mr. P.Srinivas Naidu ... for the Respondents April 27, 2026 [AKB] Item No.18 The petitioner in the instant case challenges, inter alia, the provisional list published on 21.11.2025 in the 'Daily Telegram' for appointment under the Andaman Public Works Department.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the issue involved herein, pertains to seeking of the appointment under the Andaman Public Works Department. Being a service matter, the jurisdiction lies exclusively with the Central Administrative Tribunal, Kolkata Bench, Circuit at Port Blair. As all the members of the Tribunal at Kolkata Bench have not been appointed in terms of Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, the petitioner under such prevailing circumstances cannot be left remediless due to institutional vacuum. Since the Central Administrative Tribunal is now functional, the continuation of proceeding before this Court is not warranted. In view of the transfer of proceedings to the competent forum, no further adjudication is required by this Court. The

writ petition stands disposed of. In the meantime the interim order already granted on 06.02.2026 shall remain in force until learned Tribunal takes up the matter or passes further order. However, it is made clear to avoid further delay the petitioner is directed to file an Original application before the Central Administrative Tribunal within a period of two weeks from this date. The learned Members of the Central Administrative Tribunal, Kolkata Bench, Circuit at Port Blair is requested to dispose of the same in accordance with law within a period of four months from the date of filing of the Original Application.

(Smita Das De, J.)