Why in news
- Parliament passed the Tribunal Reforms Bill, 2026, formalizing the establishment of the National Tribunal Commission.
Key terms
National Tribunal Commission
An apex statutory body designed to independently oversee member appointments, infrastructure, and administration of quasi-judicial tribunals.
Quasi-Judicial Body
An entity other than a court, such as a tribunal, given powers resembling those of a court to adjudicate specific statutory disputes.
What is the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021?
- Statute governing the appointment, tenure, and service conditions of members across various quasi-judicial tribunals in India.
- Provisions fixing four-year tenures and minimum age requirements were struck down by the Supreme Court in 2021 for compromising judicial independence.
Key changes in the 2026 Bill
- Establishes the National Tribunal Commission (NTC) as an independent apex statutory regulator for quasi-judicial bodies.
- Transfers member search and selection oversight to the NTC to eliminate executive dominance in tribunal appointments.
Why it matters
- Enforces separation of powers under Article 50 by insulating administrative tribunals from executive bias.
- Addresses persistent structural vacancies and excessive writ litigation directly reaching High Courts.
Prelims facts
- Tribunals were incorporated into the Constitution via Articles 323A and 323B by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
Mains discussion
- Assess whether an independent National Tribunal Commission effectively restores judicial independence under Article 50.
Source: LiveMint
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.
-
2016 · Q8 · GS II · 12 marks
What is quasi judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples. -
2025 · Q2 · GS II · 10 marks
Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021. -
2019 · Q2 · GS II · 10 marks
"The Central Administration Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority." Explain. -
2018 · Q4 · General Studies · 2 marks
How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government. 2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? -
2026 · Q18 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following assertion: The genesis of political alliances based on community lay in the very nature of the Montague- Chelmsford Reforms, 1919. Which of the following statements support/supports the above assertion? 1. Reforms retained and extended the principle of separate electorates. 2. Separate electorates were supposed to counter Indian nationalism, which was growing stronger. 3. Deprived classes rallied around the favours inherent in separate electorates. Select the answer using the code given below: