Powers and Functions of Tribunals

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🔷 What is a Tribunal?

• A tribunal is a quasi-judicial body that is created to settle disputes in specific areas of law.

• Tribunals are not regular courts, but they perform judicial functions.

• They are established by the Constitution or statutes to provide speedy and specialized justice in particular matters.

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🔷 Why Tribunals Were Introduced?

• To reduce the burden on regular courts.

• To give quick and expert decisions.

• To provide affordable and accessible justice.

• To resolve disputes in technical fields like tax, labour, environment, consumer rights, etc.

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🔷 Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 323-A – For tribunals related to service matters.

• Article 323-B – For tribunals related to other matters like tax, land reforms, industrial disputes, etc.

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🔷 Examples of Tribunals in India:

Tribunal Name	Area of Jurisdiction
Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)	Service matters of government employees
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)	Income tax-related disputes
National Green Tribunal (NGT)	Environmental matters
Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)	Disputes in armed forces
Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT)	Recovery of loans by banks
Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission	Consumer protection cases

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🔷 Powers of Tribunals:

✅ 1. Judicial Powers

• Tribunals have power similar to courts.

• They can summon parties, record evidence, examine witnesses, and pass binding judgments.

• They can interpret laws, apply legal principles, and resolve disputes.

✅ 2. Civil Court Powers

• Under Section 22 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, they have powers of civil courts:

  • Summoning people

  • Receiving evidence on oath

  • Ordering the production of documents

  • Reviewing their own decisions

✅ 3. Contempt Powers

• Some tribunals have contempt powers, just like High Courts, for punishing people who disobey their orders.

✅ 4. Power of Judicial Review (Limited)

• Tribunals can review administrative actions, but not laws made by the legislature.

• Their decisions are subject to review by High Courts or Supreme Court under Articles 226 and 32.

✅ 5. Power to Award Compensation

• Tribunals like NGT or Consumer Forums can order compensation to victims of pollution or unfair trade.

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🔷 Functions of Tribunals:

✅ 1. Dispute Resolution

• Tribunals resolve disputes in specialized fields, such as:

  • Government service

  • Environmental damage

  • Consumer complaints

  • Tax appeals

  • Loan defaults

✅ 2. Speedy and Economical Justice

• Tribunals are less formal than courts and follow simplified procedures.

• They provide justice faster and at lower cost.

✅ 3. Expert Opinion

• Tribunals are often headed by judges + subject experts.

• For example, NGT includes environmentalists; CAT includes retired judges.

• This ensures that decisions are technically sound and balanced.

✅ 4. Alternative to Courts

• Tribunals work as alternative forums for justice where people can go instead of filing cases in regular courts.

• This reduces workload of courts and helps in judicial efficiency.

✅ 5. Appeals and Review

• Most tribunals allow for appeals to higher tribunals or courts.

• For example, appeals from CAT go to the High Court or Supreme Court.

• Tribunals can also review their own decisions in certain cases.

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🔷 Procedure of Tribunal:

• Simple and fast.

• No need for long written pleadings like in courts.

• Often less formal than courts.

• Advocates are allowed, but even individuals can represent themselves.

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🔷 Advantages of Tribunals:

• ✅ Less expensive

• ✅ Quick decisions

• ✅ Technical expertise

• ✅ Simple procedures

• ✅ Reduces burden on judiciary

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🔷 Limitations of Tribunals:

• ❌ Sometimes lack independence.

• ❌ Judges of regular courts may not be involved.

• ❌ Sometimes delay happens due to shortage of members.

• ❌ People may not fully understand procedures.

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🔷 Important Case Laws:

🔹 L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997)

• Supreme Court held that the power of judicial review is a basic feature of the Constitution.

• Tribunal decisions can be reviewed by High Courts under Article 226.

🔹 R.K. Jain v. Union of India (1993)

• Supreme Court said tribunals must follow natural justice and be independent.

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🔷 Conclusion:

Tribunals are a very important part of Administrative Law. They help in delivering justice quickly and relieving the pressure on traditional courts. Their powers and functions are designed to bring specialized, efficient, and affordable justice to the common people. But there is still a need to ensure their independence, transparency, and availability of resources.