'Urdu Being Communalised, Judiciary Influenced By Politics': Mehbooba Mufti On CAT's Order

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 16:54 IST

Mufti said that most revenue records and government paperwork in Jammu and Kashmir are still maintained in Urdu

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti | File Image/PTI

Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday criticised the judiciary, calling it “deeply unfortunate" that it appears to be “influenced by divisive politics" over the recent controversy surrounding the Urdu language requirement in Jammu and Kashmir recruitment rules.

Her remarks came in response to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) staying parts of the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, 2009, which made graduation with knowledge of Urdu a minimum qualification for the post of Naib Tehsildar.

In a social media post on X, Mufti said that Urdu, a recognised official language in the Union Territory, was being “unfairly communalised" and politically targeted.

“It is deeply unfortunate that our judiciary appears to be influenced by divisive politics. Urdu, a recognised official language for decades, is now being unfairly communalised," the former J&K CM wrote.

Mufti stressed that most revenue records and government paperwork in Jammu and Kashmir are still maintained in Urdu. “It is only logical that applicants for the post of Naib Tehsildar possess basic proficiency in the language," she said.

The former chief minister also stated that the Urdu requirement was rooted in administrative practicality, not in any attempt to divide people. “This requirement is rooted purely in administrative efficiency not in any form of divisiveness," she added.

The CAT’s interim order followed weeks of protests, particularly in the Jammu region, where the BJP and other groups opposed the Urdu clause, calling it discriminatory. The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) responded by halting the application process for Naib Tehsildar posts.

In a notice issued Tuesday, the JKSSB said: “In view of the interim direction passed by the Central Administrative Tribunal… the process of inviting applications for the post of Naib Tehsildar (issued on June 9) is hereby deferred till further intimation/orders."

The CAT bench, comprising Member (A) Ram Mohan Johri and Member (J) Rajinder Singh Dogra, heard the matter and issued a stay. The petitioners, represented by Senior Advocate Abhinav Sharma and Advocate Abhirash Sharma, argued that the Urdu language requirement was “ultra vires the Constitution of India," claiming it violated principles of equality and non-discrimination.

The tribunal has issued notices to the concerned authorities and asked them to respond within four weeks. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for 13 August.

(With inputs from PTI)

Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

News politics 'Urdu Being Communalised, Judiciary Influenced By Politics': Mehbooba Mufti On CAT's Order