Supreme Court Urges Prompt Filling of Armed Forces Tribunal Vacancies

The Supreme Court has demanded responses from the Centre regarding a petition to fill vacancies in the Armed Forces Tribunal. With only three of 11 benches expected to be functional, the plea urges timely appointments as per Section 5 of the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007.

The Supreme Court has expressed concerns over vacancies in the Armed Forces Tribunal and has called on the Centre to address the issue promptly. In response to a petition, the Court urged the speedy appointment of officials to ensure the tribunal's effectiveness.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi presided over the hearing, with Attorney General R. Venkataramani being tasked to assist in resolving the matter. The court emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that only three of 11 benches might remain functional if the vacancies aren't filled.

The petition, filed by the Armed Forces Tribunal Bar Association, seeks adherence to Section 5 of the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007. This section mandates the composition of the tribunal's benches, underscoring the critical need for these appointments.