Ram Mandir inauguration: CAT Principal Bench to remain shut on Jan 22, other benches observes half-day

In light of the much-anticipated inauguration of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, set to occur today, January 22, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has adapted its schedule to honor the event. Following a directive from the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, CAT announced significant changes in its operational hours.

The principal bench of CAT in New Delhi will be closed for the entire day. Meanwhile, other benches across the country will operate on a half-day schedule. This decision aligns with the Ministry's memo urging central and governmental offices nationwide to remain closed until 2:30 PM.

Background on the Ram Mandir Inauguration

On January 19, CAT issued a notice stating, "To celebrate the Shri Ram Pran Pratishta at Ayodhya, the Principal Bench in New Delhi, along with all other outlying benches, shall observe a half-day closure until 14.30 hours." However, a subsequent notice clarified that the Principal Bench in Delhi would be entirely closed on January 22. The notice also indicated that the afternoon hours, from 2:30 to 6 PM, would be considered non-working, compensating with a working half-day on February 3, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 1 PM.

Simultaneously, the CAT Bench in Srinagar announced its closure until 2:30 PM on January 22, allowing employees to participate in the grand inauguration ceremonies at Ayodhya. The Srinagar bench's registry will operate from 2:30 to 5:30 PM, exclusively handling urgent appeals, deviating from the previously scheduled hours of 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

These adjustments underscore the cultural and religious importance of the Shri Ram Mandir's inauguration. The closure of the Principal Bench for the entire day reflects CAT's commitment to enabling its staff to partake fully in the festivities. This national event has prompted the Tribunal to accommodate the celebrations, illustrating the widespread acknowledgment of its cultural significance.

As the nation eagerly awaits the temple's inauguration, the Tribunal's scheduling changes and the government's directive to close offices until 2:30 PM highlight the nationwide celebration of this momentous occasion.