Question

Which of the following statements are correct about the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)?

i. The CAT was established in 1985 under Article 323A.

ii. The CAT has 19 benches across India, with the Principal Bench in New Delhi.

iii. The CAT has jurisdiction over secretarial staff of Parliament and officers of the Supreme Court.

iv. The first Chairman of the CAT was Justice K. Madhava Reddy.

v. Appeals against CAT orders can only be made to the Supreme Court.

• A. i, ii, and iv
• B. i, iii, and v
• C. ii, iii, and iv
• D. i, ii, and v

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i, ii, and iv

Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)

• Establishment and Constitutional Basis: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was established in 1985. It derives its authority from Article 323A of the Constitution of India, which empowers the Parliament to make laws for the adjudication of disputes and complaints relating to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of any State.

• Administrative Structure and Benches: The CAT has a significant presence across the country with a total of 19 benches. The Principal Bench, which is the apex bench, is located in New Delhi. This decentralized structure ensures accessibility for grievance redressal.

• Jurisdictional Exclusions: It is crucial to note that the CAT's jurisdiction does not extend to certain categories of employees. Specifically, it does not cover the secretarial staff of Parliament and officers and other employees of the Supreme Court or the High Courts. This exclusion is a common point of inquiry in competitive exams.

• First Chairman: The distinction of being the first Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal belongs to Justice K. Madhava Reddy. Knowing key inaugural appointments is often relevant for government recruitment exams.

• Appellate Mechanism: Orders passed by the CAT are subject to judicial review. Appeals against the decisions of the CAT lie with the Supreme Court of India. While direct appeals to High Courts are generally not permitted, specific legal provisions might exist for certain circumstances, but the primary appellate route is the Supreme Court.

• Purpose and Function: The primary objective of establishing the CAT was to provide a specialized and expeditious forum for the resolution of service-related disputes of government employees, thereby reducing the burden on regular civil courts