The Central Administrative 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.
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, was initially conceived for expeditious redressal of service-related grievances of central government employees, circumventing the conventional court system.
However, its role has significantly evolved, now exercising powers akin to an independent judicial authority. This transformation was cemented by the L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997) Supreme Court judgment, which unequivocally declared that the High Courts retain the power of judicial review over tribunals, effectively bringing them within the purview of the traditional judicial hierarchy.
Consequently, CAT functions as the court of first instance for service matters, possessing powers to interpret statutes, review administrative actions, issue directions, and set aside arbitrary government orders. Its benches comprise both judicial (retired judges) and administrative members, ensuring a blend of legal expertise and administrative experience. This structure, coupled with its binding judgments (subject to High Court and Supreme Court appeal), clearly positions CAT not merely as a grievance redressal body, but as an independent judicial forum upholding justice in service matters.
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Important Questions from GS2
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Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?
"The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.
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