Central Administrative Tribunal
The government announced that the functioning of the Central Administrative Tribunal is to remain suspended till May 3rd, in light of the lockdown condition.
About CAT
The Central Administrative Tribunal was established ‘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’. It was established by the Administrative Tribunal Act of 1985. There are 17 benches and 21 circuit benches of CAT across the country.
Constitutional Provision
The Constitution provides for the setting up of such a tribunal under the article 323A. The article provides that ‘Parliament may, by law, provide for the adjudication or trial by administrative tribunals 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 of any State or of any local or other authority within the territory of India or under the control of the Government of India or of any corporation owned or controlled by the Government’.
Composition
The CAT is composed of a chairperson, vice-chairperson and other members. They are all appointed by the President. The members are sourced from administrative and judicial fields. The service term is 5 years or till the age of 65 for the chairperson and the vice-chairperson (62 years for other members).
