NEW DELHI, May 4: The Supreme Court on Monday sought responses from the Central Government and other concerned authorities on a petition demanding urgent appointments to vacant posts in the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT).
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi agreed to examine the matter after a plea was filed by the Armed Forces Tribunal Bar Association (Regional Bench), which highlighted the growing crisis caused by unfilled positions in the tribunal.
During the hearing, the Bench also requested Attorney General R. Venkataramani to assist the court in addressing the issue. The petitioner’s counsel was directed to provide a copy of the petition to the Attorney General’s office for further consideration.
Apex Court Takes Serious Note of Vacant Posts in AFT
The petition raised concerns over the declining functioning of the Armed Forces Tribunal due to delays in appointments. According to the petitioner, if the vacancies are not filled soon, only three out of the tribunal’s 11 benches may remain operational by the end of the year.
The tribunal plays a crucial role in handling disputes and service-related matters concerning members of the armed forces. The petitioner argued that continued vacancies are severely affecting the delivery of justice to serving and retired defence personnel.
Centre Asked to Respond on Pending Appointments
The plea sought directions from the Supreme Court to ensure that the Centre completes the selection and appointment process within a fixed timeframe.
It also referred to Section 5 of the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, which outlines the composition of the tribunal and mandates the appointment of judicial and administrative members for the proper functioning of its benches.
The petitioner submitted that delays in appointments were weakening the institution and creating hurdles in the timely disposal of cases.
Petition Seeks Continuation of Existing Members
Apart from demanding fresh appointments, the petition also requested the court to allow the current judicial and administrative members to continue in office, subject to their willingness, until new appointments are made.
The petitioner argued that such an arrangement would help prevent disruption in the functioning of the tribunal and ensure continuity in pending proceedings.
Matter To Be Heard Again After Two Weeks
After briefly hearing the matter, the Supreme Court posted the case for further hearing after two weeks. The Bench is expected to examine the Centre’s response and consider possible directions regarding the filling of vacancies in the tribunal.
The issue has once again drawn attention to concerns over staffing shortages in judicial and quasi-judicial bodies across the country, especially those dealing with specialised matters involving defence personnel.