The Allahabad High Court recently held that an appeal against the CAT order can be made before the Supreme Court in exercise of its contempt jurisdiction under Section 17 of the Administrative Tribunals Act 1985.
About Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT):
- The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was established under Article 323-A of the Constitution of India.
- Mandate: The CAT is responsible for adjudicating disputes and complaints relating to the recruitment and service conditions of persons appointed to posts in public services and matters connected with the affairs of the Union or other authorities under the control of the Government.
- Apart from the Ministries and Departments of the Central Government, the Government has notified about 214 organizations under the jurisdiction of CAT under Section 14(2) of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 from time to time.
- There are 17 Benches and 21 Circuit Benches of the CAT located throughout India.
- Composition: Each Bench of the CAT consists of one Judicial Member and one Administrative Member.
- The conditions of service of the Chairman and Members of the CAT are the same as those applicable to a Judge of a High Court.
- The salaries, allowances, and conditions of service of the officers and other employees of the Tribunal are determined by the Central Government.
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- As set out in the Administrative Tribunals Act 1985, the Tribunal exercises jurisdiction only relating to service matters of the parties.
- The Tribunal follows the principles of natural justice in making decisions and is not bound by the procedures prescribed by the Civil Procedure Code.
- The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has the authority to establish its own rules of procedure and practice.
- CAT has been empowered to exercise the same jurisdiction and authority regarding contempt of itself as a High Court.
Q1: What are Tribunals in India?
- Tribunals are quasi-judicial institutions or courts of justice that were introduced in India in 1985.
- They provide a faster, less expensive, and more informal process for deciding disputes.
- Tribunals are established at both state and federal levels.
- Some examples of tribunals include: Central Administrative Tribunal, Green Tribunal, Debts Recovery Tribunal, and Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.