Archive · 20 Nov 2025
SC Strikes Down Key Provisions of Tribunal Reforms Act, Orders National Tribunal Commission
The Supreme Court said no to a new law that tried to change how members of special courts (called tribunals) are chosen and how long they work.
The court said this law broke the rules about who makes these decisions and how.
So, the old rules are back in place now.
The court also told the government to make a special commission to oversee these courts within 4 months.
Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the 2021 Tribunals Reforms Act
Act violated separation of powers and judicial independence
Court directed Centre to establish National Tribunals Commission within 4 months
Reinstated earlier tenure rules for tribunal members and chairpersons
Set aside selection procedure for appointments in tribunals
- Who
- Supreme Court of India
- What
- Struck down key provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 and directed the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission
- When
- November 19, 2022
- Where
- Supreme Court, New Delhi
- Why
- To uphold the principles of separation of powers and judicial independence
Supreme Court
Union Government
Reintroduction of Quashed Clauses
Supreme Court
Violates separation of powers and judicial independence
Union Government
Aims to improve efficiency and control
Minimum Age for Appointment
Supreme Court
Acts as a deterrent for competent advocates
Union Government
Ensures experienced candidates
Tenure Length
Supreme Court
Shorter tenure undermines independence
Union Government
Promotes accountability and fresh perspectives
- Act Name
- Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Act, 2021
- Impugned Provisions
- Appointment, tenure, and service conditions of tribunal members
- Bench Composition
- Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran
- Judgment Date
- November 19, 2022
- Deadline for Establishing Commission
- 4 months from the judgment date
Sources
SC quashes parts of tribunals reforms law as unconstitutional
SC strikes down key provisions of Tribunals Reforms Act, says Centre reintroduced quashed clauses
'Old Wine in New Bottle': Big SC Setback For Centre in Plea Against Tribunal Reforms Act 2021
SC Strikes Down Key Provisions of Tribunals Reforms Act
‘Violates separation of powers and judicial independence principles’: Supreme Court strikes down provisions of Tribunals Reforms Act
SC strikes down Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, over violation of judicial independence
SC strikes down 2021 Tribunal Reforms Act, cites violation of judicial independence
SC strikes down key provisions of Tribunals Reforms Act, says Parliament can’t override verdicts
SC strikes down provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act, directs govt to establish National Tribunal Commission
Supreme Court Strikes Down Key Provisions Of Tribunal Reforms Law
SC strikes down provisions of tribunal reforms law on tenure, appointment, service conditions
SC ruling on Tribunals Reforms Act: Impact on tenure framework, Centre's unification drive
Supreme Court strikes down Tribunal Reforms Act provisions; age and tenure rules invalidated
