Central Administrative Tribunal - Jurisdiction, Composition, and Functioning of CAT!

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is a specialized judicial body in India that adjudicates service matters of central government employees. It was established under the Administrative Tribunals Act 1985. It has the primary objective of providing a speedy and inexpensive forum for the redressal of grievances of central government employees.

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is a part of the Indian Polity subject in the Mains General Studies Paper-II syllabus. It is also a part of the General Studies Paper-1 of the UPSC Prelims Syllabus.

In this article, we shall study the importance of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in detail, as required for the UPSC exam. The UPSC aspirants can take the help of Testbook's UPSC CSE Coaching. You can also study other important topics related to UPSC IAS Exams with Testbook!

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What is Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)?

CAT is a special court in India that helps civil servants working for the central government. It provides speedy and inexpensive relief to the employees in matters relating to their service conditions. It solves problems and complaints related to jobs, like promotions, transfers, and retirements. It works like a court but is separate from regular courts.

• The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is a quasi-judicial body. 
• The Government of India established it in 1985 as per the Central Administrative Tribunals Act. 
• The CAT has its headquarters in New Delhi and has benches in various other cities across the country. 
• The CAT is led by a Chairman, who is a retired judge from the Supreme Court or a High Court. 
  • Other judges and administrators also help in making decisions.
• The CAT is a very important institution in the Indian administrative system. It plays a vital role in protecting the rights of central government employees. 

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Composition of the Central Administrative Tribunal

The composition of the Central Administrative Tribunal is as follows:

• Chairman: The CAT is headed by a Chairman who is a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court. The Chairman is appointed by the President of India.
• Judicial Members: The CAT consists of Judicial Members who are retired judges of the Supreme Court or retired Chief Justices of High Courts. These members assist the Chairman in adjudicating cases and making decisions.
• Administrative Members: The CAT also includes Administrative Members who are officers with a specified level of experience and expertise in administrative matters. These members provide administrative and technical support to the tribunal.

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Central Administrative Tribunal Jurisdiction

The CAT has jurisdiction over a wide range of service matters relating to central government employees, including:

• Recruitment and appointment
• Promotion and transfer
• Pay and allowances
• Discipline and dismissal
• Pension and gratuity

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Functioning of the Central Administrative Tribunal

The key functions of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) include the following:

• The CAT serves as a forum for resolving disputes and grievances. 
• Hear cases arising out of matters relating to the service of persons appointed to civil services and posts under the GoI.
• Issue directions, orders, or writs for the enforcement of the provisions of the Constitution.
• Punish for contempt of court.
• Disposal of cases expeditiously and inexpensively.
• Protect the rights of central government employees and ensure that they are treated fairly.
• The CAT summons witnesses, examines the evidence, and makes legally binding decisions.
• The CAT serves as an appellate authority for appeals filed against decisions of certain administrative tribunals.

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