Why Was CAT Created
Before the 1980s, service disputes involving government employees were filed directly in High Courts, which already carried heavy caseloads. Committees such as the Administrative Reforms Commission in 1969 and later the Swaran Singh Committee recommended setting up specialized forums to reduce this burden and provide faster, more expert adjudication.
This led to the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which inserted Article 323A into the Constitution. This Article empowers Parliament to create administrative tribunals to adjudicate disputes relating to recruitment and service conditions of persons appointed to public services under the Union, states, local authorities, or government controlled corporations.
Acting on this power, Parliament enacted the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, which established the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and allowed for State Administrative Tribunals as well.
What Is CAT and What Does It Do
CAT is a quasi-judicial body, meaning it functions like a court for specific matters but is not part of the regular court hierarchy. Under Section 4 of the Act, CAT operates through a Principal Bench and several regional benches across the country, making it more accessible than approaching a High Court directly.
CAT primarily deals with:
- Recruitment matters for public services
- Conditions of service such as pay, promotion, seniority, and pension
- Disciplinary actions including suspension, dismissal, and removal
Section 2 of the Act excludes certain categories, including members of the armed forces, Supreme Court and High Court staff, and staff of Parliament or state legislatures, who are not covered by CAT and must approach other appropriate forums.
CAT Versus High Courts in Service Disputes
Before CAT, High Courts handled such matters under their writ jurisdiction. The table below highlights the practical differences.
| Aspect | Central Administrative Tribunal | High Court |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 | Constitution of India, Article 226/227 |
| Focus | Exclusively service matters of covered employees | All civil, criminal, and constitutional matters |
| Composition | Judicial and Administrative Members | Judges appointed under Article 217 |
| Procedure | Relatively simplified, less formal | Follows regular court procedure |
| Speed | Generally faster due to specialized focus | Can be slower due to general caseload |
| Appeal | To the High Court, and thereafter Supreme Court | Directly to the Supreme Court |
Procedure Before CAT
A typical process for filing before CAT looks like this:
- Cause of action arises, such as an adverse order on promotion or disciplinary action
- Employee exhausts any available departmental remedy, if required
- Application filed before the relevant Bench of CAT under Section 19 of the Act
- Tribunal hears both parties and passes an order
- Aggrieved party may challenge the order before the High Court
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, matters covered under the Administrative Tribunals Act must first be filed before CAT, since it has been granted primary jurisdiction over such service disputes.
No, CAT deals only with disputes involving persons appointed to public services and posts under government or government-controlled bodies.
Yes, CAT orders can be challenged before the High Court through writ jurisdiction, and further appeals may reach the Supreme Court.
No, members of the armed forces are excluded from CAT’s jurisdiction under Section 2 of the Act.
CAT is a specialized tribunal focused only on service matters, with simplified procedures compared to regular civil courts.
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