20 hrs ago
Supreme Court Flags NCLT Infrastructure and Staff Shortages
The Supreme Court is worried that company-law tribunals do not have enough people or facilities.
These tribunals decide important cases involving banks, companies and large infrastructure projects.
Lawyers said many tribunal benches can work only for half a day because member positions are vacant.
They also said the tribunals lack buildings, permanent staff, judgment writers and good technology.
The NCLT currently has 63 sanctioned members, even though its work has expanded.
The Bar Association said 246 staff members, including court masters, are temporary.
The Court asked the lawyers to gather information about facilities at all tribunal benches.
It also asked the Union Government to explain what facilities exist and what is urgently needed.
The case will be considered again after two weeks.
The Supreme Court raised concerns about inadequate infrastructure and staff shortages at National Company Law Tribunal benches.
The Court described the tribunals as crucial to nationalised banks, the banking sector and infrastructure projects.
The NCLT Principal Bench Bar Association said at least 18 benches were holding only half-day sittings because of vacancies and retirements.
The Association said NCLT’s sanctioned strength remained 63 members and that 246 support staff were temporary.
The Court directed the Bar Association to collect infrastructure data and the Union Government to file a status report within two weeks.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, the NCLT Principal Bench Bar Association, the Union Government and NCLT officials.
- What
- The Court examined vacancies, inadequate infrastructure and staff shortages affecting the National Company Law Tribunal.
- Where
- At NCLT benches across India, including the Principal Bench and regional benches.
- When
- The hearing took place on Monday, and the matter will be considered again after two weeks.
- Why
- The Court is seeking to ensure that tribunals handling major banking, insolvency, commercial and infrastructure disputes can function effectively.
Key facts
- Court bench
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.
- Tribunal concerned
- National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).
- Sanctioned member strength
- 63 members.
- Affected benches
- At least 18 benches were holding half-day sittings under the roster effective from August 24.
- Temporary staff
- 246 staff members, including court masters, were described as temporary.
- Reported future vacancies
- The Bar Association warned that another 18 vacancies could arise over the next year through retirements.
- Next step
- The Union Government must file a status report on facilities and identify urgent requirements in consultation with the NCLT President.
Quotes
Chief Justice Surya Kant
Chief Justice of India and member of the Supreme Court bench
“Today in the Principal Bench, all benches are forced to sit half day, all benches! And across the country, this is the problem. Within the next one year there will be 18 more vacancies because members are retiring.”
freepressjournal.in
“They are the government’s lifeline now. All nationalised banks, banking sector, and all infrastructure projects are also matter of examination before these tribunals only.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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