Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)

Recent News

The Allahabad High Court determined that appeals against orders of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) regarding contempt cases should be brought before the Supreme Court under specific legal provisions.

Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)

• The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is a specialised administrative tribunal established in India to adjudicate disputes and complaints concerning recruitment and conditions of service of government employees. 
• It was set up under the provisions of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, to provide for speedy resolution of disputes related to public servants.

Jurisdiction of CAT

• CAT is vested with jurisdiction over all the issues such as service conditions, job selection, promotion and for punitive measures applicable to the employees working in central government departments, central public sector undertakings, and banks or institutions sponsored by the central government.
• Further, it is the court that deliberates the writs against the decisions of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

Composition of CAT

• CAT is managed by a Chairman, the unelected member of administration, and Judicial members with a number of other members.
• The Members of the CAT make their way for the top posts of the organisation by being selected by the President as per recommendations of the selection committee.
• Members of CAT have judicial powers committed to take hearings on disputes and give judgement of them in running proceedings.

Key Points

• Jurisdiction: CAT has the mandate to entertain disputes and complaints on the subject of employment conditions and recruitment relating to public service and posts which are appointed in government under GOI or other authorities which are in-charge of the government.
• Organisational Structure: It has the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Members who are installed by the President. The tribunal has numerous benches in Bangladesh, each office of which is led by a judicial and an administrative member.
• Act & Rules: The CAT headquarters are located in the Administrative Tribunals Act of 1985 and various rules that have been framed under this Act.

Role and Functions of CAT

CAT is an essential forum which serves to be an independent and impartial place where grievances of government employees against their employers may be resolved. Some of the key functions of CAT include:

• Conflicts regarding employment and service conditions, filing of personnel actions, promotion and discipline of government employees settled.
• An attempt to grant a remedy to employees who have problems regarding their employment and are in need of legal assistance.
• To maintain openness and due process in the operation of the government departments and sectoral organisations.
• As part of the administrative reforms, the government is focusing on boosting efficiency and making administration of its services both economical and responsible.
• Engaging pass the walk method of settling disputes quickly with quasi judicial procedure.

Appeals and Review

• Decisions of CAT can be appealed against in the High Court of the respective state or the Supreme Court of India. 
• The tribunal also has the power to review its own orders if there are errors apparent on the face of the record.

Conclusion

The Central Administrative Tribunal plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and interests of government employees and ensuring a fair and transparent administration. It serves as an important institution in the Indian judicial system, providing an accessible forum for resolving disputes related to public service. With its specialised expertise and quasi-judicial powers, CAT continues to uphold the principles of justice and fairness in the realm of administrative law.

News Source: Live law

UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Q.Discuss the establishment, jurisdiction, and functioning of CAT, highlighting its significance in ensuring accountability, fairness, and expeditious resolution of disputes in the realm of civil service administration. Also, critically analyse the challenges faced by CAT and suggest reforms to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness.

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