Top Court nudges Centre to set up more regional benches of Armed Forces Tribunal
Top Court nudges Centre to set up more regional benches of Armed Forces Tribunal Top Court nudges Centre to set up more regional benches of Armed Forces Tribunal
The Supreme Court on Monday, while praising the substantial contribution to the Armed Forces from Chandigarh (comprising Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh), also emphasised the need for more regional benches of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) in these states, along with circuit benches.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh asked the Centre to provide data on the status of appointments and the selection process of judicial and other tribunal members across the country.
advertisement
“Can we have a regional bench in Chandigarh, and then, like we have done in Family Courts, they can hold circuit benches in Jammu and Srinagar? That will give an opportunity for the local Bar to assist them. It will also lead to cost-effectiveness and greater access to justice. For Himachal matters, they can go to Shimla and Dharamshala, where basic infrastructure is available. High Courts can also provide some support. That kind of system can help expedite hearings and reduce the cost of litigation. A retired army official coming all the way to Chandigarh can also be avoided,” the bench observed.
The court was hearing a petition by the Madras Bar Association, raising issues of vacancies and related concerns in the Armed Forces Tribunal, Chandigarh.
The top court also asked the Attorney General of India to furnish the current status of vacancies in various tribunals, the stages of the ongoing selection process, and to explore the feasibility of establishing circuit benches to provide easier access to justice.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh submitted that the Union Government had repeatedly assured that requisite appointments would be made, but no substantial progress had been achieved. He highlighted that there is now only one AFT bench at Chandigarh and that a member has been transferred without a replacement being appointed.
Attorney General R Venkataramani informed the bench that the Chairperson of the AFT is handling internal administrative issues and that the selection process is ongoing throughout the year.
To this, the bench remarked, “We are only concerned about timely appointments. Sometimes, it’s not that the Union alone is at fault.”
The court also suggested that an advance selection process for Tribunal members be considered, as the date of a member demitting office is known beforehand. The matter was slated for further hearing after six weeks.