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Supreme Court Rebukes Centre Over Tribunal Shortfalls, Warns of Abolition for Lack of Facilities

The bench demanded a coordinated fix through a DoPT‑inclusive review, cautioning that persistent failures could push tribunal matters back to high courts.

Overview

  • Hearing a plea on National Green Tribunal vacancies, Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan said retired judges are deterred by poor amenities and lack of dignity in service.
  • The Union informed the Court that two appointed former judges declined to take charge, requiring the selection process to start afresh.
  • The Court urged creation of an inter‑ministerial mechanism that includes the DoPT to standardize infrastructure, housing, transport and office support across tribunals.
  • A request to extend sitting members beyond retirement was rejected, with the bench directing that vacancies be filled as expeditiously as possible and listing the case for December 16, 2025.
  • ASG Vikramjit Banerjee said he would convey the Court’s observations to the government, noting some appointees resist postings outside Delhi, as the bench referenced recent directions to upgrade NCLT facilities.