Central Administrative Tribunal

Q. Why is this in News?
A. Recently, Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) conducted a special drive across all the 19 Benches of the Tribunal for disposal of cases of most vulnerable section of applicants like the senior citizens / pensioners.

Q. What is Central Administrative Tribunal?

A.

• About: It had been established under Article 323 - A of the Constitution.
  • It provides for adjudication of disputes and complaints with respect to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or other authorities under the control of the Government.
• Legal Framework: In pursuance of Article 323-A, Parliament passed the Administrative Tribunals Act in 1985.
  • The act authorizes the Central government to establish one CAT and the state administrative tribunals.
  • This act opened a new chapter in the sphere of providing speedy and inexpensive justice to the aggrieved public servants.
  • CAT was set up during the Prime Ministership of Rajeev Gandhi.
• Benches: There are 19 Benches in the CAT all over India.

Q. What are its Objective and Composition?

A The CAT is a specialist body consisting of Administrative Members and Judicial Members who by virtue of their specialized knowledge are better equipped to dispense speedy and effective justice.

• A Chairman who has been a sitting or retired Judge of a High Court heads the CAT.
• Operating Principles: The Tribunal is guided by the principles of natural justice in deciding cases and is not bound by the procedure prescribed by the Civil Procedure Code.
  • Under Section 17 of the Administrative Tribunal Act, 1985, the Tribunal has been conferred with the power to exercise the same jurisdiction and authority in respect of contempt of itself as a High Court.
• Independence: The conditions of service of the Chairman and Members are the same as applicable to a Judge of High Court as per the Administrative Tribunals (Amendment) Act, 2006.
• Appeals against Orders: The orders of the CAT are challenged by way of a Writ Petition under Article 226/227 of the Constitution before the respective High Court in whose territorial jurisdiction the Bench of the Tribunal is situated.