What is the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)?

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is a specialized quasi-judicial body in India established under Article 323A of the Constitution of India. It was created to provide speedy and cost-effective justice to central government employees in matters related to service disputes and conditions of service.

Established through the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, CAT primarily adjudicates service matters of public servants and reduces the burden on High Courts.

Key Highlights of CAT

Objectives of CAT

• To ensure efficient disposal of service-related disputes involving central government employees.
• To reduce the burden on the High Courts.
• To provide a specialized, expert forum for service matters.
• To ensure a speedy, less expensive grievance redressal system for government servants.

Jurisdiction and Powers of CAT

CAT has exclusive jurisdiction over matters related to:

• Recruitment and appointment to public services and posts under the Union.
• Promotion, seniority, transfer, posting, leave, pay, and allowances.
• Disciplinary actions such as suspension, dismissal, removal, etc.
• Conditions of service like pension, retirement benefits, etc.

However, CAT does not have jurisdiction over:

• Employees of public sector undertakings.
• Employees of state governments.
• Employees of the judiciary or defense forces.

Note: The tribunal has the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), 1908 and is guided by the principles of natural justice.

Structure of CAT

CAT comprises:

• Chairman (a retired judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of a High Court).
• Judicial Members (retired High Court judges or District Judges with 10+ years of experience).
• Administrative Members (retired senior IAS or equivalent officers).

Each bench of CAT generally includes one Judicial Member and one Administrative Member.

Locations of CAT Benches

CAT operates 17 Regular Benches located in:

• Delhi (Principal Bench)
• Mumbai
• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Bengaluru
• Hyderabad
• Jabalpur
• Chandigarh
• Lucknow
• Patna
• Guwahati
• Cuttack
• Ahmedabad
• Jaipur
• Ernakulam
• Nagpur
• Jammu

In addition to the regular benches, there are 21 circuit benches to cover other cities and remote areas.

Procedure to File a Case in CAT

1. Eligibility: Only central government employees or applicants governed under CAT’s jurisdiction.
2. Filing: Applications can be filed in person, via post, or online through the CAT e-filing portal.
3. Fees: A nominal fee is charged while filing (e.g., ₹50 for most service matters).
4. Hearing and Disposal: Matters are decided expeditiously, usually without lengthy adjournments.

Limitations and Appeals

• CAT decisions can only be challenged in the Supreme Court of India under Article 136 (Special Leave Petition).
• High Courts cannot hear CAT-related service matters, as per the L. Chandra Kumar judgment (1997), except for judicial review.

Advantages of CAT

• Fast-track resolution of disputes.
• Expert judicial and administrative handling.
• Cost-effective and accessible to government employees.
• Reduces case burden on traditional judiciary.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Delays in appointment of members and staff.
• Lack of independence due to executive control in appointments.
• Limited accessibility in rural or remote areas.
• Appeal only to Supreme Court — expensive and less accessible for aggrieved applicants.

Recent Developments & Reforms

• Introduction of e-filing system and virtual hearings to improve accessibility.
• Calls for merging CAT with other tribunals to form a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) for transparency.
• Push for increased judicial independence and streamlined appointment process through constitutional amendments.