In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has struck down the Tribunal Reforms Act, which sought to restructure the functioning of tribunals in the country. The court has also mandated the establishment of a National Tribunal Commission to ensure judicial independence and transparency.
The Tribunal Reforms Act, passed by the Parliament in 2021, was aimed at bringing about efficiency and streamlining the functioning of tribunals by merging various tribunals and reducing the number of members in these bodies. However, the Act was met with widespread criticism from the legal fraternity and was challenged in the Supreme Court.
In its judgment, the apex court has declared the Act as unconstitutional and against the principles of separation of powers and independence of the judiciary. The court has also noted that the Act would have a detrimental effect on the functioning of tribunals and would compromise their ability to dispense justice.
The establishment of the National Tribunal Commission has been deemed necessary by the court to ensure that the independence of tribunals is not compromised. The Commission will be responsible for the appointment, removal, and overall functioning of tribunals, thereby ensuring that they are free from any external influence.
The decision of the Supreme Court has been welcomed by legal experts and advocates, who have been fighting for the protection of the independence of the judiciary. They have hailed the judgment as a victory for the rule of law and a step towards strengthening the judicial system in the country.
The court’s ruling is a significant step towards safeguarding the fundamental principles of the Indian Constitution, which enshrines the concept of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. It also sends a strong message to the government that any attempt to undermine the judiciary will not be tolerated.
The establishment of the National Tribunal Commission will also bring about much-needed transparency in the functioning of tribunals. The commission will be responsible for the selection of members, their tenure, and their performance evaluation, thereby ensuring that only competent and impartial individuals are appointed to these bodies.
Moreover, the commission will also have the power to initiate disciplinary proceedings against members of tribunals who are found to be involved in any misconduct. This will act as a deterrent and ensure that the members of tribunals carry out their duties with utmost integrity and impartiality.
The judgment of the Supreme Court is a significant step towards strengthening the justice delivery system in the country. It will not only ensure the independence of tribunals but also improve their efficiency and effectiveness in dispensing justice. This will ultimately benefit the citizens of the country who seek justice from these bodies.
The decision of the Supreme Court has come at a crucial time when the independence of the judiciary has been under threat. The court’s intervention has reaffirmed the faith of the people in the judiciary and its ability to protect their rights and uphold the rule of law.
The establishment of the National Tribunal Commission is a progressive step towards judicial reforms. It will bring about much-needed transparency and accountability in the functioning of tribunals, which play a crucial role in the justice delivery system of the country.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Tribunal Reforms Act and mandate the establishment of the National Tribunal Commission is a significant development in the Indian judicial system. It will go a long way in upholding the principles of judicial independence and transparency, and ensure that the citizens of the country have access to a fair and impartial justice system.
