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“ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS OF INDIA” Submitted to: Dr. Sridevi P Assistant Professor of Law Submitted by: Permanika Chuckal VIth Semester 2012075 1 | Page

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Welfare nature of government is the evolutionary goal of probably every kind of government these days in this contemporary world. There has been a phenomenal increase in the functions of the government, which has lent enormous powers to the executive and also led to increase in the legislative output. This has led to more litigation, restrictions on the freedom of the individuals and constant frictions between them and the authority. The development of welfares led to an increase in governmental functions and the executive saw in this a need to perform a number of quasi- legislative and quasi- judicial functions, thus blurring the traditional positions of the various wings of the government under the doctrine of separation of powers, under which the powers of the government were divided between the legislature, executive and the judiciary which were to be entrusted with the power of making law, executing it and interpreting the law respectively. But now these welfare states changed radically and involve itself in the hosting of wide socio-economic activities; for example: providing health services, education, industrial regulation and other allied welfare measures. Now where there is these kind of activities; disputes are certain and obvious. The issues which arose from disputes on such matters raised not only legal matters but also matters which affect the society at large. The constitution and function of our court system is very traditional as well as inefficient. The inherent procedural limitations made it difficult for the courts to dispose these cases promptly thus leading to a huge backlog of cases in all levels of the judiciary. Courts therefore became deluged with litigations arising directly and incidentally from such increased governmental interventions. It was also felt in many quarters that the members of the judiciary were neither adequately trained nor equipped to deal with the complex socio-economic and technical matters at hand. Thus it was felt specialised adjudicatory bodies such as tribunals needed to be created to resolve such disputes fairly and effectively

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Page 1: Administrative Tribunals in India

“ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS OF INDIA”

Submitted to:

Dr. Sridevi P

Assistant Professor of Law

Submitted by:

Permanika Chuckal

VIth Semester

2012075

Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to express my special appreciation and thanks to my advisor, my Faculty , who

has been a tremendous mentor for me. I would like to thank you for encouraging my research,

advice for the research has been priceless.

I would extend my thanks to the University Authorities, for providing me with is opportunity

to submit my project. I am indebted to all those who have helped me in developing this

project for their suggestion and guidance.

Permanika Chuckal

2012075

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Research Methodology 4

Introduction 5

Evolution of Tribunal System in India 6

Types of Administrative Tribunals 7

Features of Tribunals in India 9

Appeal from Administrative Tribunal to Supreme Court 11

Judicial Interpretation 12

Advantages of Administrative Tribunal 14

Disadvantages of Administrative Tribunal 15

Status and Working in India 16

Conclusion 18

Bibliography 19

1.

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Aims and Objective: 

The researcher aims to study the evolution of administrative tribunal system in India taking

into account its types, features, advantages, disadvantages and also its status and working in

India. It also aims to study its Judicial Interpretation.

Nature of Project:

This project is descriptive as well as analytical in nature, with special emphasis having being

supplied to analysis.

Sources of Data:

The sources of data used for this project are secondary in nature. A host of leading textbooks

relating to Administrative Law will be referred to. Case reporters like Supreme Court Cases,

All India Reporter, and Criminal Law Journal etc will be used.

Scope and Limitation:

Administrative law determines the organization, powers and duties of administrative

authorities. The emphasis of Administrative Law is on procedures for formal adjudication

based on the principles of Natural Justice and for rule making.

Methodology: The researcher uses both analytical and descriptive methods in presenting the

project.

Sources: Only secondary sources of data are used.

Mode of citation: A uniform mode of citation is used

Hypothesis:  Administrative law specifies the rights and liabilities of private individuals in

their dealings with public officials and also specifies the procedures by which those rights

and liabilities can be enforced by those private individuals. It provides accountability and

responsibility in the administrative functioning.

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INTRODUCTION

Welfare nature of government is the evolutionary goal of probably every kind of government

these days in this contemporary world. There has been a phenomenal increase in the

functions of the government, which has lent enormous powers to the executive and also led to

increase in the legislative output. This has led to more litigation, restrictions on the

freedom of the individuals and constant frictions between them and the authority. The

development of welfares led to an increase in governmental functions and the executive saw

in this a need to perform a number of quasi- legislative and quasi- judicial functions, thus

blurring the traditional positions of the various wings of the government under the doctrine of

separation of powers, under which the powers of the government were divided between the

legislature, executive and the judiciary which were to be entrusted with the power of making

law, executing it and interpreting the law respectively.

But now these welfare states changed radically and involve itself in the hosting of wide

socio-economic activities; for example: providing health services, education, industrial

regulation and other allied welfare measures. Now where there is these kind of activities;

disputes are certain and obvious. The issues which arose from disputes on such matters raised

not only legal matters but also matters which affect the society at large. The constitution and

function of our court system is very traditional as well as inefficient. The inherent procedural

limitations made it difficult for the courts to dispose these cases promptly thus leading to a

huge backlog of cases in all levels of the judiciary. Courts therefore became deluged with

litigations arising directly and incidentally from such increased governmental interventions. It

was also felt in many quarters that the members of the judiciary were neither adequately

trained nor equipped to deal with the complex socio-economic and technical matters at hand.

Thus it was felt specialised adjudicatory bodies such as tribunals needed to be created to

resolve such disputes fairly and effectively.1

Power of adjudication must be derived from a statute or statutory rule.

It must possess the trappings of a court and thereby be vested with the power to

summon witnesses, administer oath, compel production of evidence, etc.

Tribunals are not bound by strict rules of evidence.

They are to exercise their functions objectively and judicially and to apply the law and

resolve disputes independently of executive policy.

1 Serwai ,HM, Constitutionsl law of India

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Tribunals are supposed to be independent and immune from any administrative

interference in the discharge of their judicial functions.

EVOLUTION OF TRIBUNAL SYSTEM IN INDIA

In India, administrative adjudication increased after independence and several welfare laws

were promulgated which vested the power on deciding various issues in the hands of the

administration. The modern Indian Republic was born a Welfare State and thus the burden on

the government to provide a host of welfare services to the people was immense. These

quasi-judicial powers acquired by the administration led to a huge number of cases with

respect to the manner in which these administrative bodies arrived at their decisions. The

Courts held that these bodies must maintain procedural safeguards while arriving at their

decisions and observe principles of natural justice-their opinions were substantiated by the

14th Law Commission Report.2 In order to avoid clogging the judicial machinery with cases

which would have arisen by the operation of these new socio-economic legislations, a

number of tribunals were established by the government. The tribunals were established with

the object of providing a speedy, cheap and decentralised determination of disputes arising

out of the various welfare legislations.3 Another important reason for the new development is

that law courts, on account of their elaborate procedures, legalistic fronts and attitudes can

hardly render justice to the parties concerned, in technical cases. Ordinary judges, brought up

in the traditions of law and jurisprudence, are not capable enough to understand technical

problems, which crop up in the wake of modem complex economic and social processes.

Only administrators having expert knowledge can tackle such problems judiciously. To meet

this requirement, a number of administrative tribunals have come into existence.

ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS ACT, 1985

In pursuance of Art 323-A Parliament has passed the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985

covering all matters falling within the clause (1) of Article 323- A. This Act authorises

central government to establish administrative tribunals for central services and on the

application of States even for States services as well as for local bodies and other authorities

including public corporation. From the date of establishment of tribunals all courts except the

2 Nayak, R., Administrative justice In India, Butterwoths : New Delhi, 1989, p.383 Jain, M.P., Principles of Administrative Law, Wadhwa & Company : Nagpur, 1996, pp.246-248

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Supreme Court under Art 136 lose their jurisdiction with respect to the matter falling within

the jurisdiction of the tribunals.

A tribunal shall consist of Chairman and such number of Vice-Chairmen and other members

as appropriate Government may deem fit. They are appointed by the President in the case of

Central tribunals and by the President in consultation with the Governors or Governors in

case of State or joint Tribunals. The qualifications regarding that are laid down in the

Act.4Other aspects regarding administrative Tribunals are being discussed below different

headings and sub-headings.

TYPES OF ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS

There are different types of administrative tribunals, which are governed by the statues, rules,

and regulations of the Central Government a sell as State Governments.

Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)

The enactment of Administrative Tribunals Act in, 1985 opened a new chapter in

administering justice to the aggrieved government servants. It owes its origin to Article 323

A of the Constitution which empowers the Central Government to set up by an Act of

Parliament, the Administrative Tribunals for adjudication of disputes and complains with

respective recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to the public services

and posts in connection with the Union and the States.

The Tribunals enjoy the powers of the High Court in respect of service matters of the

employees covered by the Act. They are not bound by the technicalities of the Code of

Civil Procedure, but have to abide by the Principles of Natural Justice. They are

distinguished from the ordinary courts with regard to their jurisdiction and procedures. This

makes them free from the shackles of the ordinary courts and enables them to

provide speedy and inexpensive justice. The Act provides for the establishment of

Central Administrative Tribunal and State Administrative Tribunals. The CAT was

established 1985. The Tribunal consists of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Members. These

Members are drawn from the judicial as well as the administrative streams. The appeal

against the decisions of the CAT lies with the Supreme Court of India.

4 Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 http://cgat.gov.in/act.htm as on 25th march,2015

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Election Commission (EC)

The Election Commission is a tribunal for adjudication of matters pertaining to the allotment

of election symbols to parties and similar other problems. The decision of the commission

can be challenged in the Supreme Court.

Foreign Exchange Regulation Appellate Board (FERAB)

The Board has been set up under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1973. A person who

is aggrieved by an order of adjudication for causing breach or committing offences under the

Act can file an appeal before the FERAB.

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

This tribunal has been constituted under the Income Tax Act, 1961. The Tribunal has its

benches in various cities and appeals can be filed before it by an aggrieved

persons against the order passed by the Deputy Commissioner or Commissioner

or Chief Commissioner or Director of income tax. An appeal against the order of the

Tribunal lies to the High Court. An appeal also lies to the Supreme Court if the High Court

deems fit.

Railway Rates Tribunal

This-Tribunal was set up under the Indian Railways Act, 1989. It adjudicates matters

pertaining to the complaints against the railway administration. These may be related to the

discriminatory or unreasonable rates, unfair charges or preferential treatment meted out by

the railway 'administration. The appeal against the order of the Tribunal lies with the

Supreme Court.

Industrial Tribunal

This Tribunal has been set up under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. It can be constituted

by' both the Central as well as State governments. The Tribunal looks into the dispute

between the employers and the workers in matters relating to wages, the period and mode

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of payment, compensation and other allowances, hours of work, gratuity, retrenchment and

closure of the establishment. The appeals against the decision of the Tribunal lie with the

Supreme Court.

SOME FEATURES OF TRIBUNALS OF INDIA

Jurisdiction and Power:

After the coming into force of Administrative Tribunals Act, 19855, all judicial

remedies save those of the Supreme Court under Art 2 and 136 have been abolished

and the pending proceeding before other courts stand transferred before the regional

Administrative Tribunals under s.29 of the Act.

Administrative Tribunal is competent to exercise all powers which the respective

courts had, including declaration as to constitutionality of relevant laws. In short, the

jurisdiction of the Tribunal is not supplementary but is a complete substitute of the

High Courts and Civil Courts6.

In view of s.14 of the Administrative Tribunal Act,1985, in case where the suit lay,

the employee will now have to seek his remedy by application under s.19 of the Act.

Pending suits shall stand transferred to the Administrative Tribunal having territorial

jurisdiction under section 29 of the Act.7

Section 29A (inserted in 1986) gives an appellant jurisdiction of the Central

Administrative Tribunal. Appeals from judgement of Civil Courts in suits relating to

service matter which are now governed by the A.T. Act shall lie to the Administrative

Tribunals to the exclusion of any other Civil Appellant Court or the High

Court. The central Administrative Tribunal is the Tribunal constituted under Art.323-

A of the Constitution and is expected to have the same jurisdiction as that of High

Court.8

Orders of the Central Administrative Tribunals are nt open to challenge before the

High Court.

Sources of Tribunal’s Jurisdiction-

5 The Act was brought into force with effect from 2-10-1985. The Central Administrative Tribunals was set up on 1-11-1985 6 Sampat Kumar, SP v. Union of India,(1987) 1 ATR 34 7 Cf. Kaptan Singh v, UOI (1986) 4 SLR 545 (Del) 8 UOI v. K D Batish AIR 2006 SC 789

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- Suit of proceeding transferred to it under s.29 of the Act

- S.19 deals with jurisdiction of entertaining original application relating to

service matters.

- Appellant jurisdiction under s.29A

Unconstitutionality of Law

The tribunal can declare the unconstitutional a statute or subordinate legislation

relating to the dispute before it, which contravenes provisions of the constitution.

Whether a body would be an „authority‟ within the meaning of Art.12.

In a case where enquiry has been dispensed with under the 2nd proviso to Art 311(2),

the tribunal is competent to examine the legal jurisdiction for such dispensation.9

It may decide question of law, including preliminary pleas in bar, e.g. limitation;

nonjoinder of party; territorial jurisdiction of the tribunal; res judicata.

Procedure

A Tribunal is not barred by the provisions of the Evidence Act.10 In order to discover

the truth, the Tribunal may resort to the inquisitional procedure, provided no principle

of natural justice is violated.

Tribunals shall be guided solely by the principles of natural justice unfettered by

anything in the CPC and shall have the power to regulate its own procedure.

A plea of violation of statutory provision can be taken before the Tribunal though not

taken in the petition.

It is competent to execute its own order, though the A.T Act has no specific provision

in this behalf.

Disciplinary matters:

The Tribunal is competent to go into the facts and set aside the order passed by a disciplinary

authority-

9 Om Prakash Pathak v. UOI (1986) 4 SLR 251 10 G Mohanti v. UOI ATR (1987) 1 CAT 229

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Where the conclusion arrived at is arbitrary or perverse. On the other hand , the Tribunal will

not interfere -

with the finding of facts of the enquiry officers where there was some evidence before

him on the basis of which he could reasonably come to the conclusion that the charges

against the petitioner were proved .

with an order of rejection, by the Tribunal , of an application for reinstatement on the

grounds of inordinate and unexplained delay.

There has been some difference of opinion amongst the tribunals as to how far, if at

all, they may interfere with the punishment awarded by a disciplinary authority

APPEAL FROM ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL TO SUPREME COURT

1. Though the jurisdiction of High Court under Art 226 over service matter has been taken

over by the respective Administrative Tribunals Act 1985, the jurisdiction of the Supreme

Court over these Tribunals under Art.136 has been retained.

2. Appeals lies to the Supreme Court from orders of an Administrative Tribunal, by special

leave under Art 136, on the following grounds-

Error of Law

Finding of the Tribunal being perverse.

The order of the Tribunal being without jurisdiction or ultra vires.

The order of the Tribunals being arbitrary or mala fide.

The order of the Tribunal is such as would lead to grave injustice.

JUDICIAL INTERPRETATION

As mentioned earlier, the Administrative Tribunals Act was passed in 1985 under article

323A and section 28 of this Act provided for the exclusion of jurisdiction of all courts except

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that of the Supreme Court under Article 13611. This fuelled a sudden spurt in the number of

cases that challenged the validity of the said legislation as well as that of the 42nd Amendment

that introduced Articles 323A and 323B in to the constitution. Some of the prominent case in

this regard is discussed below.

Sambamurthy v. State of Andhra Pradesh

It was held in this case that Article 371D (5) of the constitution, which was inserted by the

Constitution (32nd Amendment) Act,1973, was unconstitutional and void. This provision had

enabled the Government of Andhra Pradesh to modify or nullify any order of the

Administrative tribunal of that state. It was pointed out that such a provision was violative of the

basic structure as it made the tribunal not as effective as the High Court when it comes to

judicial review. Here the Court seems to be strictly adhering to the directive in Sampath

Kumar’s case that the administrative tribunals should be effective substitutes to the High

Court.12

J.B.Chopra v. Union of India

It was held that13 since the Administrative tribunals are meant to be substitutes of High Courts,

their power of judicial review extended to power as to decide on the constitutionality of service

rules. However, soon we see a reversal of trend leading to a lot of confusion. In

M.B.Majumdar v. Union of India14 the Supreme Court refused to extend the service conditions

and other benefits enjoyed by ordinary High Court judges to the members of these Tribunals.

Three years later, in R.K.Jain v. Union of India15, the Supreme Court opined that these

Tribunals could not be effective substitutes of High Courts under Articles 226 and 227. We also

find very clear expression of dissatisfaction of the apex court regarding the functioning

and effectiveness of Administrative Tribunals especially with regard to their power of judicial

review.

Sakinala Harinath v. State of Andhra Pradesh16

11 Joshi, K. C., Legal Status of Tribunals, IBR, Vol. 25 (2), 1998 12 (1987) I SCC 386 131987) I SCC 422. 14 1990) 4 SCC 501 15( 1993) 4 SCC 11916 1993 (2) An. W.R.484 (FB)

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In this case, the Andhra Pradesh High Court dropped a bomb shell by expressing serious doubts

about the wisdom of the learned Judges in Sampath Kumar’s case. The Full Bench ruled that the

ruling in the above case equating Administrative Tribunals to the High courts with respect to

their jurisdiction under Articles 226 and 227 was inconsistent with the apex court’s ruling in

cases like Kesavanda Bharati v. State of Kerala17 and Indira Gandhi v. RajNarain18. It was

pointed out that the constitutional courts could only exercise the power of judicial review. Since

the logic of alternative institutional mechanism propounded in Sampath Kumar’s case does not

fit in to this scheme, it is constitutionally impermissible. As a result both Articles 323A(d) and

section 28 of the Act were struck down as unconstitutional.

The judicial green signal given for tribunalisation given in Sampath Kumar can be seen to be

slowly fading because of the subsequent decisions.The confusion created by these conflicting

decisions ushered in the need for taking a second look at S.P. Sampath Kumar’s case. This

opportunity arrived when a three judge bench of the Supreme Court in L. Chandrakumar v.

Union of India28 decided to refer the matter to a larger bench. This eventually led to the

famous ruling of the Seven Judge Bench of the Supreme Court on L. Chandrakumar v. Union of

India, which is now the law of the land.

L. Chandrakumar’s Case 19

The important issues considered by the apex court were as follows:

1. Whether Art. 323A (2) (d) and Art.323B (3) (d) of the constitution which give the power to

the Union and State Legislatures to exclude the jurisdiction of all courts except that of the

Supreme Court under Art.136, is in accordance with the power of judicial review embodied in

Art.32 and 226.

2. Whether the power of High Courts to exercise the powers of superintendence over the

subordinate judiciary under Articles 226 and 227 form part of Basic Structure.

3. The competence of the aforesaid tribunals to determine the constitutionality of any law.

4. Whether the aforesaid tribunals are acting as affective substitutes to High Courts in terms of

efficiency.

17 (1973) 4 SCC 225 18 AIR 1975 SC 229119 AIR 1995 SC 1151

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It was held that the power of judicial review over legislative and administrative action is

expressly vested with the High Courts and the Supreme Court under Articles 226 and 32

respectively. The contention that the constitutional safeguards which ensure the independence of

the higher judiciary29 is not available to the lower judiciary and bodies such as Tribunals was

upheld and the Apex Court consequently held that the lower judiciary would not be able to

serve as effective substitutes to the higher judiciary in matters of constitutional

interpretation and judicial review. Hence the power of judicial review is vested in the higher

judiciary and the power of High Courts and the Supreme Court to test the constitutional validity

of legislative and administrative action cannot ordinarily be ousted. However it was held that

these tribunals and the lower judiciary could exercise the role of judicial review as supplement

to the superior judiciary. The court applied the provisions of Article 32(3) to uphold the same.

ADVANTAGES OF ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL

Administrative adjudication is a dynamic system of administration, which serves, more

adequately than any other method, the varied and complex needs of the modem society. The

main advantages of the administrative tribunals are:

Flexibility

Administrative adjudication has brought about flexibility and adaptability in the judicial as

well as administrative tribunals. For instance, the courts of law exhibit a good deal of

conservatism and inelasticity of outlook and approach. The justice they administer may

become out of harmony with the rapidly changing social conditions. Administrative

adjudication, not restrained by rigid rules of procedure and canons of evidence, can

remain in tune with the varying phases of social and economic life.

Adequate Justice

In the fast changing world of today, administrative tribunals are not only the most

appropriated means of administrative action, but also the most effective means of giving fair

justice to the individuals. Lawyers, who are more concerned about aspects of law, find it

difficult to adequately assess the needs of the modem welfare society and to locate the

individuals place in it.

Less Expensive

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Administrative justice ensures cheap and quick justice. As against this, procedure in the law

courts is long and cumbersome and litigation is costly. It involves payment of huge court

fees, engagement of lawyers and meeting of other incidental charges. Administrative

adjudication, in most cases, requires no stamp fees. Its procedures are simple and can be

easily understood by a layman.

Relief to Courts

The system also gives the much-needed relief to ordinary courts of law, which are already

overburdened with ordinary suits.

DISADVANTAGES OF ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNALS

Even though administrative adjudication is essential and useful in modem day administration,

we should not be blind to the defects from which it suffers or the dangers it poses to a

democratic polity. Some of the main drawbacks are mentioned below.

Administrative adjudication is a negation of Rule of Law. Rule of Law ensures

equality before law for everybody and the supremacy of ordinary law and due

procedure of law over governmental arbitrariness. But administrative tribunals,

with their separate laws and procedures often made by themselves, puts a serious

limitation upon the celebrated principles of Rule of Law.

Administrative tribunals have in most cases, no set procedures and sometimes they

violate even the principles of natural justice.

Administrative tribunals often hold summary trials and they do not follow any

precedents. As such it is not possible to predict the course of future decisions.

The civil and criminal courts have a uniform pattern of administering justice and

centuries of experience in the administration of civil and criminal laws

have borne testimony to the advantages of uniform procedure. A uniform code of

procedure in administrative adjudication is not there.

Administrative tribunals are manned by administrators and technical heads who may

not have the background of law or training of judicial work. Some of them may not

possess the independent outlook of a judge.

STATUS AND WORKING OF TRIBUNALS IN INDIA

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Tribunals are essentially those bodies of the Executive branch of the government who by

virtue of some statutory provision have the power and duty to act judicially in determining

disputes which come before it.20 Tribunals as stated earlier are distinct from the ordinary

courts of the land and as per Chandrakumar’s case they are not on par with the High Courts

but serve a supplemental function to the High Courts. They are therefore subject to the writ

jurisdiction of the superior judiciary and to the power of judicial review exercisable by the

superior judiciary. In most of the tribunals appeals from their decisions lie in the High Court

on substantial questions of law.

There are different types of tribunals in India, ranging from single member tribunals to

multimember tribunals. Tribunals such as the Industrial tribunal may consist of one or more

members, and they can be appointed by the appropriate government. The chairman of the

tribunal is supposed to possess judicial qualifications and is supposed to be or have been a

judge of the High Court or a District judge or be qualified for appointment as a High Court

judge. The other members are expected to satisfy the prescribed requirements- which are to

ensure that the members are experts and will be able to speedily and effectively dispose of

matters. The procedure to be followed by the tribunal is prescribed by the Act and rules made

there under. Though the function of the tribunal is to adjudicate on the disputes it has only

some of the trappings of the court. It is not bound by strict rules of procedure and can take

decisions by exercising its discretion. While accepting the fact that such tribunals must work

towards furthering social justice, it has been held in J&K Iron and Steel Co. v. Mazdoor

Union that tribunal cannot act beyond the scope of the law. It can decide the dispute on the

basis of the pleadings and has no power to reach a conclusion without any evidence on

record. The tribunal is expected to hold the proceedings in public, follow fair procedure and

decide disputes impartially and independently.

All tribunals in India are arranged on the following basis:

Created by a statute

subject to the writ jurisdiction of the superior judiciary and to judicial review.

Manned by experts and persons with judicial experience.

subject to the superintendence of the concerned High Court under Art.227

20 Chakraverti, S., Administrative Law and Tribunals, 2nd edition, The Law Book Co. Ltd.: Allahabad

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Decisions may be final or appealable within the tribunal or in certain cases to the

High Court. appeals against orders of the tribunal may be heard by the Supreme Court

by special leave under Art. 136.

TRIBUNALS AND NATURAL JUSTICE

Administrative tribunals must act openly, fairly and impartially. They must afford a

reasonable opportunity to the parties to represent their case and adduce evidence. Thus, in

State of U.P. v. Md. Nooh21 where the prosecutor was also an adjudcating officer and also in

Dhakeshwari Mills22 where the tribunal did not disclose some evidence to the assessee which

was relied upon, the decisions were set aside.

In Union of India v. T.R. Verma23 the Supreme Court held the following to be part of

natural justice:

a) Party must be able to adduce all evidence being relied upon.

b) Evidence must be taken in the presence of both parties.

c) Must be given opportunity to cross- examine.

d) And no material must be relied upon without giving the party opportunity to

explain the evidence.

Tribunals are free to evolve their own method of procedure as long as they conform to

the principles of natural justice as outlined above.

CONCLUSION

In view of the increasing role of administration in citizens' life, the

administrative tribunals are expected to play an important role in the redressal of citizens'

21 AIR 1958 SC 8622 AIR 1955 SC15423 AIR 1957 SC 882 at 885

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grievances. In this unit we have examined the nature of administrative tribunals and the

various reasons for their groping importance. Various types of administrative tribunals are set

up in the country to address various issues, such as, the adjudication of disputes and

complaints of the public servants, redressed of consumer disputes, industrial disputes,

disputes pertaining to income tax etc.

They provide greater flexibility in administering justice and provide relief to the courts. But

at the same time they suffer from some limitations as they sometimes violate the principles of

natural justice, lack uniform pattern of administering justice and also suffer from the lack of a

proper background on law or judicial work. However, with certain safeguards it is possible

to rectify some of these limitations. The administrative tribunals should have people with

legal training and experience. A code of judicial procedures should be devised and enforced

for their functioning.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Books Referred

Chakraverti, S., Administrative Law and Tribunals, 2nd edition, The Law Book Co. Ltd.:

Allahabad

Joshi, K. C., Legal Status of Tribunals, IBR, Vol. 25 (2), 1998

Jain,M.P., Principles of Administrative Law, Wadhwa & Company : Nagpur, 1996

Websites referred

www.lawyersclubindia.com ,as on 25th march 2015

www.answers.com ,as on 24th march 2015

www.etymonline.com ,as on 24th march 2015

http://cgat.gov.in/act.htm ,as on 25th march 2015

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