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.