Why in news
- Ministry of Personnel highlighted high case disposal efficiency across regional benches of the Central Administrative Tribunal.
Key terms
Article 323A
Constitutional provision enabling Parliament to establish administrative tribunals for service matters of public servants.
L. Chandra Kumar Case (1997)
Supreme Court ruling establishing that decisions of administrative tribunals are subject to judicial review by High Courts under Article 226/227.
What is the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)?
- Specialized quasi-judicial body set up in 1985 under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, enacted pursuant to Article 323A of the Constitution (added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976).
- Adjudicates disputes and complaints regarding recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union and covered authorities.
Jurisdiction and procedural rules
- CAT is guided by principles of natural justice and is not bound by the procedure laid down in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
- Appeals against CAT decisions lie before the Division Bench of the respective High Court, following the landmark Supreme Court ruling in L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997).
Why it matters
- Reduces backlog in constitutional courts by providing a dedicated, low-cost forum for civil servants' service disputes.
Prelims facts
- CAT is not bound by the Civil Procedure Code but is guided by principles of natural justice.
- Writs against CAT decisions are filed before Division Benches of High Courts, not directly in the Supreme Court.
Mains discussion
- Evaluate the role of administrative tribunals in relieving pendency in High Courts and the structural challenges concerning tribunal independence.
Source: PIB English
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2023 · Q45 · UPPGS
What was the name of the female regiment constituted as a part of the Azad Hind Fauj by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose? -
2022 · Q90 · UPPGS
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the code given below. List-I (Person) A. D. K. Karve B. J. E D. Bethune C. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar D. B. M. Malabari List-II (Associated work) 1. Establishment of Girls School in Calcutta 2. Secretary, Widow Re-marriage Association 3. Starting a crusade against child marriage 4. Principal of Sanskrit College in Calcutta Code: -
2018 · Q144 · UPPGS
Which of the following was called as Economic cabinet of India by Ashok Chandra?