Centre overhauls Tribunal appointment system

NEW DELHI, Oct 3:

The Central Government has notified a new framework for appointments and oversight of major tribunals, requiring the process to fill vacancies to begin at least six months in advance and introducing a structured assessment of candidates, including scrutiny of judicial work, professional experience and, where applicable, an order-writing exercise.

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The Ministry of Law and Justice's Department of Legal Affairs has notified the National Tribunals Commission and Qualification, Selection and Conditions of Service of Chairperson and Members of Tribunals Rules, 2026 under the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026. The rules came into force on their publication in the Official Gazette. Under the rules, ministries and departments will send requisitions for tribunal vacancies arising or likely to arise during a calendar year, while the National Tribunals Commission's secretariat will initiate the process to fill them at least six months before the vacancies arise.

Search-cum-Selection Committees will be constituted for selecting tribunal chairpersons and members. Candidates may be assessed on judgments or orders delivered in judicial or quasi-judicial capacities, litigation and professional experience, academic contributions, personal interaction and an order-writing exercise.

The assessment may examine knowledge of procedural and substantive law, ability to apply legal principles, judicial temperament, analytical ability, reasoning, clarity and drafting skills. Performance and conduct in adjudicatory functions will also be considered for reappointments.

For every vacancy, the Search-cum-Selection Committee will recommend one suitable person and one additional name for a waiting list valid for one year. The recommendation will have to be communicated to the Central Government within three working days. The Centre will remain the appointing authority.

The Commission's secretariat will also maintain a database of serving tribunal chairpersons and members and vacant posts, operate an online portal for applications and develop and maintain a National Tribunals Data Grid containing information relating to cases before the tribunals.

The notification prescribes qualifications for appointments to several key bodies, including the Central Administrative Tribunal, Securities Appellate Tribunal, Debt Recovery Tribunals, Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, Armed Forces Tribunal, National Green Tribunal and National Company Law Appellate Tribunal. (UNI)