CJI B R Gavai Calls for Reflective Tribunal Reforms

Chief Justice of India B R Gavai expressed concern about non-judicial members of administrative tribunals being hesitant to pass orders against the government. He emphasized the need for consistent training and a uniform appointment process. CJI Gavai also stressed the importance of reducing litigation pendency and improving tribunal service conditions.

Chief Justice of India B R Gavai has highlighted concerns regarding non-judicial members of tribunals, typically ex-bureaucrats, who often hesitate to pass orders counter to government interests. Addressing the 10th All India Conference of the Central Administrative Tribunal 2025, Gavai called for reflective introspection among these tribunal members.

The Chief Justice underscored the unique role of tribunals, positioned between the judiciary and the executive, urging regular training to improve judicial acumen among administrative members. He also stressed the need for a standardized appointment process to boost public trust in tribunals.

Gavai pointed out the issue of multiple appeals and the lengthy litigation process, which undermine tribunal efficiency. He called for a central agency to filter necessary appeals to reduce court backlog. Additionally, he highlighted the need for revising tribunal member service conditions to attract high-caliber judges.

(With inputs from agencies.)