The Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021:
The Supreme Court expressed strong displeasure over the Union Government’s repeated adjournment requests in the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 case.
- The Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, enacted on 13 August 2021, seeks to streamline and rationalize tribunals by abolishing several appellate bodies and transferring their functions to High Courts.
- It replaces the Tribunals Reforms Ordinance, 2021, and consolidates provisions governing appointments, tenure, service conditions, and removal of tribunal members.
- Aim is to reduce delay in justice delivery by integrating tribunal functions within the existing judicial structure, To ensure uniformity in appointments and service conditions across tribunals, to enhance administrative efficiency and judicial accountability by limiting executive interference.
- Key Features:
- Abolition of certain tribunals: Eliminates appellate bodies such as the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal, Intellectual Property Appellate Board, and Airport Appellate Tribunal, transferring jurisdiction to High Courts.
- Centralised Appointments: Chairpersons and Members are appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of a Search-cum-Selection Committee chaired by the CJI or his nominee.
- Tenure and Age Limits:
- Chairperson: 4 years or until 70 years of age.
- Members: 4 years or until 67 years of age.
- Minimum Age: Candidates must be 50 years or older for appointment, excluding younger professionals from consideration.
