Regularization claims are rendered infructuous upon administrative redressal, preserving liberty for ineligible parties to seek alternate remedies.

The applicants, originally employed as contingent workers in various schools in District Doda, filed a writ petition (subsequently transferred to the CAT) seeking regularisation of their services in the Class IV cadre

They sought a mandamus for regular pay scales, arrears of salary, and the preparation of service books for retiral benefits

During the pendency of the matter, the respondents reviewed the eligibility of the applicants for regularisation

1. Whether the applicants are entitled to regularisation of their services and consequential benefits based on their tenure as contingent employees

2. Whether applicant No. 3 meets the eligibility criteria, specifically regarding age limits, for regularisation under the applicable rules

The court primarily applied the provisions of SRO 308 of 2008, which governs the regularisation of specific categories of employees in the State of Jammu and Kashmir

It further adhered to the principle of administrative eligibility, whereby an employee must satisfy prescribed criteria, such as age and service tenure, to qualify for a change in status from contingent to regular cadre

The Tribunal examined the compliance report filed by the respondents. Regarding applicants Nos. 1 and 2, the court noted that the School Education Department had already issued regularisation orders following a favorable report from the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Doda dated 28.04.2026, as they were found eligible under SRO 308

In the case of applicant No. 3, the court accepted the respondents' contention that she was ineligible because she exceeded the maximum age limit prescribed by the rules

The court concluded that since the primary reliefs for two applicants were fulfilled and the third was legally barred by eligibility criteria, no further judicial intervention was warranted in the current application

Regarding applicant No. 3, the Tribunal declined relief due to her "overage" status but granted her liberty to seek alternative legal remedies if advised. The Transfer Application was disposed of accordingly