Supreme Court Addresses Armed Forces Tribunal Vacancies

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre regarding a plea to fill vacancies in the Armed Forces Tribunal swiftly. With a limited number of functional benches expected by year-end, the petition urges timely appointments to ensure compliance with the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007.

The Supreme Court has taken a significant step in addressing the issue of vacant posts within the Armed Forces Tribunal by seeking responses from the Centre and other parties. A petition from the Armed Forces Tribunal Bar Association highlights critical vacancies affecting the tribunal's functionality.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi have acknowledged the urgency of the matter, instructing the Attorney General R Venkataramani to provide assistance. A petition copy has been advised to be handed over for further legal deliberation.

With only three out of eleven benches predicted to be operational by year's end, the plea stresses the importance of timely appointments. The petition requests adherence to Section 5 of the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, regarding tribunal composition, while ensuring current tribunal members remain until replacements are secured.