CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL (CAT)

Established under Article 323A of the Constitution, Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) came into force on 1st November 1985 with its present Chairman, the former Chief Justice of Patna, Sh. Justice L. Narsimha Reddy.

It came into existence to adjudicate matters related to recruitment and service of people appointed in public services and posts related to the Union or any other governmental authority or the Government itself. It came into existence to dispose of the cases speedily, looking at the number of pending cases in the country. It is a specialized body whose members have specialized knowledge which further benefits in giving effective justice.

Across the country, there are a total of 17 benches and 21 circuit benches in the CAT. The Principal Bench, i.e. The Bench in New Delhi only entertains cases related to the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi.

A tribunal enjoys the status of a High Court and has the same powers as a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but the provisions of CPC, 1908 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 do not apply to it. It follows the principles of natural justice in deciding cases

It is an alternate of the High Court and has powers to issue an order or writ under Article 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India regarding the service matters.

CONSTITUTION

CAT consists of a total number of 66 members, including the Chairman. Out of the total, 33 (including the Chairman) members must be from the Judicial stream and 33 from the Administrative Stream.

The term of the service for Chairman is five years or until the age of 65 years and for the Vice-Chairman, and members are five years or until the age of 62 years, or whichever is earlier.

If any person wants to resign, the resignation must be addressed to the President of India.  

All the 66 members are ineligible for re-appointment after their retirement.

POWERS OF CAT

It has the power to intervene in the matters of the inferior tribunal which, however, is restricted to cases where the inferior tribunal has permitted inadmissible evidence or, the inferior tribunal submitted the conclusion based on the flawed aspect of law.

ROLE OF CAT

• The tribunal has jurisdiction on the employees of 208 Public Sector Undertakings/ Organizations notified by the Government.

FUNCTIONING OF CAT

• The powers to exercise the same jurisdiction and authority concerning contempt of itself as a High Court is vested with the tribunal.
• CAT Principal Bench i.e. Delhi Bench will deal with matters related to the National Capital Territory of Delhi Government.
• There are a total of 17 benches and 21 Circuit Benches.
• The appeal against the order of the tribunal can be challenged in the High Court through a writ petition under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India.
• Principles of natural justice come into play in deciding the cases.
• A petitioner can either take the help of a legal practitioner or appear in person before the tribunal.

ADVANTAGES

• There is no payment needed for legal representation, court fees, or pleadings.
• As the procedure is transparent, cases are disposed of off speedily.
• Also known as the Fastrack court, it reduces the burden of civil courts by disposing of the pending cases.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Since the commencement of the CAT in 1985, it has initiated about 7,79,101cases out of which 7,27,818 are already disposed of making the disposable rate of 93.41%. (India, n.d.)

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The official website of CAT is http://www.cgatnew.gov.in/catweb/Delhi/Delhi.php.