Tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies established to resolve disputes. They handle administrative and tax-related issues. Their purpose is to provide quicker and more specialized adjudication than traditional courts.
Historical Background
The original Constitution of India did not include provisions for tribunals. The 42nd Amendment in 1976 introduced Part XIV-A, which consists of Articles 323A and 323B. These articles empower the establishment of tribunals for specific administrative and other matters.
Article 323A – Administrative Tribunals
Article 323A allows Parliament to create administrative tribunals. These tribunals address disputes related to public services. They can be established for the Union and for individual states. Key features include:
- Jurisdiction over recruitment and service conditions.
- Authority to punish for contempt.
- Exclusion of all court jurisdictions except the Supreme Court.
- Transfer of pending cases from courts to tribunals.
Article 323B – Other Matters Tribunals
Article 323B allows legislatures to create tribunals for various matters, such as:
- Taxation and revenue issues.
- Industrial and labour disputes.
- Land reforms.
- Regulation of rent and tenancy.
This article also permits the establishment of a hierarchy of tribunals.
Differences Between Articles 323A and 323B
The two articles differ in their scope and authority:
- Article 323A focuses solely on public service matters.
- Article 323B covers a broader range of subjects.
- Only Parliament can establish tribunals under Article 323A, while both Parliament and state legislatures can do so under Article 323B.
Tribunals vs. Courts
While both tribunals and courts resolve disputes, they differ :
- Court – Part of the traditional judicial system.
- Tribunal – A quasi-judicial body with specific jurisdiction.
- Court – Independent of the executive.
- Tribunal – Often under executive control.
Objectives of the Tribunal System
The tribunal system aims to:
- Reduce the case load of traditional courts.
- Provide specialised expertise for technical matters.
- Ensure quicker resolution of disputes.
Evolution of the Tribunal System
The tribunal system has evolved since its inception. The first tribunal, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, was established in 1941. The 42nd Amendment in 1976 marked a very important moment, leading to the establishment of numerous tribunals in subsequent decades.
Current Structure of Tribunals
Today, tribunals can be classified based on their functions:
- Administrative Tribunals – Handle service-related disputes.
- Sector-specific Tribunals – Address issues in areas like taxation, labour, and environment.
Some tribunals operate as substitutes for High Courts, while others function as subordinate bodies.
Key Developments in the Tribunal System
Key milestones include:
- 1976 – Introduction of Articles 323A and 323B.
- 1980s-2010s – Establishment of various sector-specific tribunals.
- 2017 – Consolidation of several tribunals under the Finance Act.
- 2021 – Introduction of the Tribunals Reforms Bill aimed at restructuring.
Independence of Tribunals
The independence of tribunals has been a contentious issue. The Supreme Court has ruled that tribunals should operate free from executive interference. Factors influencing independence include:
- Selection process of members.
- Composition of tribunals.
- Terms and conditions of service.
Supreme Court Judgments on Tribunals
The Supreme Court has made several rulings regarding the functioning of tribunals:
- 1986 – Parliament can create alternatives to High Courts if they maintain efficacy.
- 1997 – Tribunals substituting High Courts must have similar status.
- 2014 – Emphasis on independence from executive control.
Pendency of Cases
Despite their establishment, many tribunals face a backlog of cases. For instance, numbers of cases are pending in various tribunals, denoting the ongoing challenge of case management.
Administrative Structure of Tribunals
The administration of tribunals is crucial for their effective functioning. The Supreme Court has recommended a uniform management system. An independent National Tribunals Commission has been proposed to oversee appointments and administration.
International Comparisons
Tribunals exist in various forms globally:
- Australia – Administrative and civil matters handled by tribunals.
- France – Dual legal system with a three-tier tribunal system.
- United Kingdom – Two-tier tribunal system with specific chambers.
- United States – Administrative tribunals with limited quasi-judicial functions.
Challenges Faced by Tribunals
Key challenges include:
- Independence from executive control.
- High case load and pendency.
- Need for improved infrastructure and resources.
Future of the Tribunal System
The future of the tribunal system may involve reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and independence. Recommendations for the establishment of an independent administrative body remain unimplemented.
