Context:
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The Supreme Court of India struck down certain provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, holding them unconstitutional for violating the principles of judicial independence and separation of powers.
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The judgement came in continuation of earlier Supreme Court rulings that repeatedly objected to the executive’s excessive control over tribunal appointments, tenure, and service conditions.
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The case is significant for maintaining the integrity of India’s tribunal system, which plays a key role in delivering specialised justice.
Key Highlights:
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Case Facts / Judicial Findings:
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The Court invalidated provisions relating to:
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Short tenure of tribunal members (which undermines independence).
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Executive dominance in appointment process.
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Conditions that weaken judicial functioning of tribunals.
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The Supreme Court reaffirmed that tribunals, though outside the regular judiciary, must function with judicial independence
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Constitutional Principles Involved:
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Separation of Powers between Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary.
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Independence of Judiciary as part of the Basic Structure.
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Judicial review under Articles 32 and 226.
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Background of the Issue:
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Tribunals were created to reduce burden on courts and provide specialised adjudication.
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However, repeated executive interference raised concerns about tribunal autonomy.
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Significance / Concerns:
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Strengthens tribunal credibility and ensures fairness.
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Limits executive overreach.
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Highlights need for a uniform tribunal framework aligned with constitutional safeguards.
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue & Background:
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The Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 was enacted to restructure tribunals, rationalise their functioning, and streamline adjudication.
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It replaced the Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021.
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Key Provisions Challenged:
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Tenure of tribunal members reduced to 4 years.
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Upper age limit provisions and reappointment rules.
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Executive control over appointment committees.
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Supreme Court Observations:
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Short tenure discourages independence and encourages executive influence.
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Tribunal members require stability similar to judges.
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Importance of Tribunals:
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Provide faster dispute resolution in specialised fields like:
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Taxation
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Administrative disputes
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Company law
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Environment
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Armed forces matters
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Challenges in Tribunal System:
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Delays in appointments.
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Lack of infrastructure.
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Overdependence on executive for finances and administration.
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Frequent vacancies affecting justice delivery.
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Impact:
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Reinforces judicial oversight on tribunal reforms.
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Forces government to align tribunal laws with SC guidelines.
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Core Concept / Static Linkage:
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Tribunals as quasi-judicial bodies under Articles 323A and 323B.
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Doctrine of Basic Structure.
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Separation of powers and checks and balances.
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Constitutional / Legal Provisions:
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Article 323A: Administrative Tribunals.
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Article 323B: Tribunals for other matters (tax, labour, etc.).
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Judicial review powers: Articles 32, 136, 226, 227.
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Key SC rulings:
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L. Chandra Kumar case (tribunal decisions subject to High Court review).
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Madras Bar Association cases (tribunal independence).
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Governance / Institutional Dimensions:
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Executive should not dominate appointments and service conditions.
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Tribunals must ensure independence, transparency, and professional competence.
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Keywords for Answer Writing:
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Tribunalisation of Justice
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Judicial Independence
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Separation of Powers
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Executive Overreach
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Basic Structure Doctrine
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Quasi-Judicial Bodies
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Way Forward:
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Create an independent National Tribunals Commission for appointments and administration.
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Ensure longer tenure and secure service conditions.
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Improve infrastructure and reduce vacancies.
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Strengthen accountability without compromising independence.
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS2: Judiciary, tribunal reforms, governance, constitutional bodies.
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GS4: Ethics in governance, institutional independence, rule of law.