Subject: Indian Polity

A quasi-judicial body represents an organization that has powers and procedures resembling those of a court of law, operating as an intermediary between administrative and judicial functions. These bodies are vital instruments of administrative justice in modern governance.

Key Features of Quasi-Judicial Bodies

• Judicial Characteristics: These bodies follow principles of natural justice, maintain procedural fairness, and have the power to summon witnesses and examine evidence.

• Administrative Nature: They perform specialized administrative functions while exercising judicial powers (e.g., SEBI regulating securities market while adjudicating disputes).

• Statutory Authority: Established through specific legislative acts, granting them legal legitimacy and defined jurisdiction.

Major Examples and Functions

• National Green Tribunal (NGT):

  • Handles environmental disputes and conservation matters.
  • Applies the "polluter pays" principle in environmental cases.

• Central Information Commission (CIC):

  • Adjudicates disputes related to RTI applications.
  • Issues binding decisions on public authorities.

• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

  • Investigates human rights violations.
  • Makes recommendations to government authorities.

Recent Developments and Impact

• Legal Precedent: In 2025, the Supreme Court established that quasi-judicial bodies are bound by res judicata principle, preventing re-litigation of settled matters.

• Dispute Resolution: The 3rd National Lok Adalat in 2024 resolved over 1.14 crore cases, with settlements worth approximately Rs 8,482.08 crore.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Procedural Reforms: Need for standardization of procedures and reduction in jurisdictional overlaps.

• Capacity Building: Requirement for enhanced training and resources for better efficiency.

The evolution of quasi-judicial bodies represents a significant step towards ensuring specialized adjudication and expeditious justice delivery. Their success in resolving disputes through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism demonstrates their crucial role in India's justice system.