NEW DELHI, Sept 16: The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Centre for failing to provide adequate facilities to tribunal members, warning that if amenities cannot be ensured, all such bodies should be abolished and their cases transferred to the high courts.
A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan observed that the lack of proper infrastructure, housing, transport, and even basic stationery has discouraged retired judges from accepting tribunal appointments.
“Some appointees, including former chief justices and judges of the Supreme Court, are left without dignity. Even for stationery, they must repeatedly request. How are you treating tribunals? The fault lies with the Union,” the bench remarked.
The court highlighted that the absence of amenities created uncertainty for retired judges, making them hesitant to take charge. “Please treat former Chief Justices and High Court judges who accept your posts with dignity,” the bench said, urging the Centre to form a committee across ministries, including the DoPT, to ensure uniform facilities.
The Additional Solicitor General assured the bench that the concerns would be conveyed to the government. The matter arose from a plea filed by the NGT Bar Association (Western Zone) over vacancies in tribunals, with the Centre admitting that two former judges had declined appointments.
Rejecting the plea to extend the tenure of existing members until replacements are appointed, the Supreme Court posted the matter for further hearing on December 16.