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The court pointed out that two former judges, though formally offered tribunal appointments, had declined to take charge
The Supreme Court made strong observations: if the government cannot assure dignified treatment—including infrastructure, transport, office space, and housing—then perhaps all tribunals should be abolished and their work remanded to high courts. File pic/PTI
The Supreme Court has sharply criticised the central government for the shabby treatment meted out to retired SC and HC judges who accept appointments in tribunals, saying that many are forced to “beg even for the most basic facilities”. The court was hearing a petition by the NGT Bar Association (Western Zone), which raised concerns about persistent vacancies in several tribunals.
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A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan pointed out that two former judges, though formally offered tribunal appointments, had declined to take charge. The court expressed that this refusal is understandable in view of the dismal infrastructural and logistical support provided to tribunal members.
Among the specific grievances: retired judges are not assured of basic amenities such as housing, transport, stationery, and even respect in the form of appropriate official vehicles. One bench remark was that tribunal chairpersons—who may have been former chief justices or Supreme Court judges—often receive “the most rickety car” and have to repeatedly request stationery.
The Supreme Court made strong observations: if the government cannot assure dignified treatment—including infrastructure, transport, office space, and housing—then perhaps all tribunals should be abolished and their work remanded to high courts.
The justices said that while Parliament enacts laws creating tribunals, seldom is “judicial impact” or the expenditure required considered properly.
The court directed that a committee of various ministries, including the department of personnel and training (DoPT), be constituted to look into all lapses, plug loopholes, and frame a uniform policy for providing facilities across tribunals. Retired judges who accept tribunal posts should be treated with dignity.
The bench also rejected a petitioner’s plea to allow existing tribunal members to continue beyond their tenure until replacements are appointed but urged the Centre to complete the selection process as expeditiously as possible.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 16, 2025, by which time the Centre is expected to report on the measures it proposes.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 17, 2025, 06:34 IST
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