CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL (CAT) (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) recently overturned IPS officer Gurjinder Pal Singh's compulsory retirement and directed his reinstatement into service.

Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)

• About: It was established under Article 323-A of the Constitution to adjudicate disputes and complaints regarding recruitment and conditions of service in public services under the Union or other government authorities.
• Jurisdiction: CAT's jurisdiction extends to Ministries, Departments of the Central Government, and approximately 214 other organizations designated under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985.
• Bnches: With 17 Benches and 21 Circuit Benches spread across India, CAT ensures accessibility to justice in administrative matters.
• Composition: A CAT bench comprises one Judicial Member and one Administrative Member, mirroring the composition of other administrative tribunals.

o The Chairman and Members of CAT enjoy the same conditions of service as a High Court Judge.

• Regulation of Personnel: Salaries, allowances, and conditions of service for CAT officers and employees are determined by the Central Government.
• Appeals Process: Orders of CAT can be challenged through Writ Petitions under Article 226/227 of the Constitution, filed in the respective High Court's jurisdiction.
• Powers:

o CAT's jurisdiction is confined to service matters under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985.

o It operates based on principles of natural justice, independent of the Civil Procedure Code.

o CAT has the authority to establish its procedural rules.

o It can address contempt cases related to its proceedings with the same authority as a High Court.