Why in News?

There is acute shortage of staff (almost 27 out of 64 posts are lying vacant) in CAT leading to delay in disposal of cases.

About CAT:

• It is a statutory body established under Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985.
• It derives powers from Article 323A of constitution. The tribunals under Article 323A can be formed only through the Parliament and notby the State Legislatures.
• CAT is mandated to adjudicate matters related to the recruitment and conditions of service of personnel engaged in public service in India.

CAT Jurisdiction:

Original jurisdiction over all service matters concerned with:

• Members of the all-India services.
• Persons appointed to any civil service of the Union or civil post under the Union.
• Civilians appointed to any defence services or posts related to defence.
• Employees of PSUs or public sector organizations were notified by the government.

NOTE: Members of the defence forces, officers, Supreme Court staff, the Parliament’s secretarial staff are not covered under the CAT.

Key Points:

• The Tribunal is provided with the power to exercise the same jurisdiction and authority regarding contempt of itself as a High Court.
• Appeals against the orders of CATcan be made in the High Court (and not the SC directly).
• The CAT Principal Bench deals with matters of the Government of the NCT of Delhi.
• In deciding cases, the Tribunal is guided by the principles of natural justice. It is not bound by the Civil Procedure Code.
• The GoI decides the salaries, emoluments, and conditions of service of the Tribunal’s employees.