Centre frames rules to standardise recruitment to various tribunal posts, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The government has framed new rules to standardize recruitment, eligibility, and service conditions for various tribunal posts.
• The National Tribunals Commission and Qualification, Selection and Conditions of Service of Chairperson and Members of Tribunals Rules, 2026 were issued on September 30, 2026.
• These rules empower the newly-created National Tribunals Commission to appoint chairpersons and members to 16 tribunals and appellate bodies.
• The National Tribunals Commission was established following the passage of the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 and a Supreme Court directive.
• The rules stipulate a monthly remuneration of ₹2.5 lakh for the Commission chairperson and ₹2.25 lakh for its members.

Detailed Insights:

• The primary objective of these rules is to enhance efficiency and ensure independence, transparency, and uniformity in the appointment process for tribunals.
• The rules mandate that the process to fill vacancies in tribunals must commence at least six months before they arise.
• Candidates will be assessed by search-cum-selection committees through expert evaluation, personal interaction, and writing exercises.
• The National Tribunals Commission will be headquartered in Delhi and consist of a chairperson and four members, including two judicial and two technical members.
• A retired Supreme Court judge or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court is eligible to lead the proposed Commission.
• The Supreme Court had previously struck down key provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, on November 19, 2025, citing violations of the principles of separation of powers and judicial independence.
• The Supreme Court had specifically directed the establishment of an independent National Tribunals Commission with professional expertise.
• The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, which led to the formation of the Commission, aims to repeal the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Tribunals Commission: A central oversight body established to standardize and ensure independence in the appointment and service conditions of tribunal members.
• Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021: A legislation whose key provisions were invalidated by the Supreme Court for undermining judicial independence and separation of powers.
• Separation of Powers: The constitutional principle dividing governmental responsibilities among distinct branches to prevent concentration and abuse of power.
• Judicial Independence: The doctrine that the judiciary should be free from interference from the executive and legislative branches of government.