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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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? -
2024 · Q2 · GS II · 10 marks
Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? -
2019 · Q74 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the first regulatory body set up by the Government of India. 2. One of the tasks of PNGRB is to ensure competitive markets for gas. 3. Appeals against the decisions of PNGRB go before the Appellate Tribunals for Electricity. Which of the statements given above are correct?