What is major function of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)?

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) plays a critical role in adjudicating disputes and complaints related to the service matters of public servants in India. Established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, CAT serves as a specialized forum aimed at providing quick and effective justice to government employees. It was set up to reduce the burden on regular courts by offering a dedicated legal platform for resolving service-related disputes of central government employees. Here is a detailed explanation of the major functions and roles of CAT:

Major Functions of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)

Adjudication of Service-Related Disputes
- The primary function of CAT is to resolve disputes and complaints related to service matters of central government employees. This includes issues concerning recruitment, appointment, promotion, pay scales, pension, disciplinary actions, transfer, and other service conditions.
- The tribunal acts as a forum for central government employees to seek redressal for grievances arising out of decisions taken by their employers. This helps to ensure that employee rights are protected and that administrative decisions comply with the law.
Handling Cases of Recruitment and Appointments
- CAT hears cases related to recruitment processes conducted by the central government or its associated entities. It addresses grievances such as the denial of appointment, irregularities in recruitment procedures, and disputes regarding eligibility criteria.
- This function helps maintain transparency in government recruitment processes, ensuring that appointments are made fairly and in accordance with established rules.
Dealing with Promotions and Seniority Issues
- Disputes regarding promotions, the granting of higher pay scales, seniority lists, or wrongful denial of career advancement opportunities can be taken up by CAT.
- It can direct authorities to reconsider promotion decisions, rectify seniority lists, or grant promotions if the employee was wrongfully denied advancement due to administrative errors or bias.
Resolution of Pension and Retirement Benefits Disputes
- Pension and other retirement benefits often give rise to disputes when calculations are incorrect, or payments are delayed. CAT is tasked with resolving such disputes to ensure that retired employees receive their rightful dues.
- Legal heirs of deceased employees can also approach CAT for the settlement of claims related to pension and other terminal benefits.
Addressing Disciplinary and Dismissal Matters
- Employees facing disciplinary actions or those who have been dismissed from service can appeal before CAT for relief. The tribunal has the authority to examine the legality and fairness of disciplinary proceedings conducted by the government.
- CAT can order the reinstatement of employees, quash dismissal orders, or direct modifications to disciplinary actions if it finds that the process was unjust or violated the rules.
Handling Transfers and Posting-Related Disputes
- Government employees often challenge their transfers or postings, claiming that they are arbitrary or punitive. CAT provides a platform for such employees to contest transfer orders.
- The tribunal ensures that transfer policies are implemented fairly and in accordance with the established norms and guidelines.
Ensuring Compliance with Service Rules and Regulations
- CAT ensures that all decisions regarding central government employees are in compliance with service rules, regulations, and relevant legal provisions.
- It provides judicial oversight over administrative decisions, preventing abuse of power by ensuring that government actions are lawful and adhere to principles of natural justice.
Issuance of Interim Orders for Immediate Relief
- CAT can grant interim relief to employees pending the final resolution of their cases. This may involve staying a disciplinary action, suspending a transfer order, or directing the payment of arrears.
- Interim relief helps prevent any irreparable harm to the employee while the case is being adjudicated.

Jurisdiction of CAT

CAT has jurisdiction over service matters of central government employees, including employees of central public sector undertakings (PSUs), autonomous organizations under the central government, and other government entities where it is explicitly provided.
It does not cover employees of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, or officials holding constitutional posts, such as the President, Governors, or Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
The tribunal has benches across the country, with the Principal Bench located in New Delhi. Each bench exercises jurisdiction over service disputes arising within its territorial limits.

Benefits of CAT in the Administrative Justice System

Speedy Disposal of Cases
- By providing a dedicated forum for service matters, CAT significantly reduces the time taken for case resolution compared to traditional courts. The specialized nature of the tribunal allows for quicker adjudication.
Specialization in Service Law
- The members of CAT, including judicial members and administrative members, have expertise in service law and administrative matters. This specialization enables more informed decisions and a deeper understanding of the issues involved.
Reduces Burden on High Courts
- CAT helps to reduce the caseload of High Courts by handling service-related disputes that would otherwise be filed there. This allows High Courts to focus on other complex legal matters.
Provides a Platform for Administrative Review
- CAT serves as a mechanism for employees to seek a review of administrative decisions, ensuring that administrative actions are subject to judicial scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who can file a case in CAT?

Any central government employee, including employees of central public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies covered under the tribunal’s jurisdiction, can approach CAT for service-related disputes. However, it does not have jurisdiction over members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, or officials in constitutional posts.

Q2: Can state government employees approach CAT?

No, CAT primarily deals with central government employees. However, some states have established State Administrative Tribunals (SATs) to handle service disputes of state government employees.

Q3: How long does it take to resolve a case in CAT?

The time taken to resolve a case in CAT can vary based on the complexity of the matter and the workload of the tribunal. Typically, cases may take a few months to a year for a final decision.

Q4: Can an employee appeal a CAT decision?

Yes, if an employee is dissatisfied with the decision of CAT, they can file a writ petition in the High Court. The High Court has the authority to review CAT’s decisions based on grounds such as jurisdictional errors or violation of natural justice.

Q5: Does CAT have the authority to grant financial compensation?

Yes, CAT can direct the payment of arrears, pension, and other dues. It can also award compensation if it finds that an employee has suffered due to administrative lapses or wrongful decisions.

Q6: Can employees seek interim relief from CAT?

Yes, CAT has the power to grant interim relief, such as staying a disciplinary action or transfer order, pending the final resolution of the case.

Q7: Are CAT orders binding on government departments?

Yes, CAT orders are binding, and non-compliance can lead to contempt proceedings or other enforcement actions.

Q8: Can legal heirs of deceased employees approach CAT?

Yes, legal heirs can approach CAT for disputes related to pension, retirement benefits, or other entitlements of a deceased employee.

Q9: What type of disputes cannot be filed in CAT?

CAT does not have jurisdiction over matters related to the armed forces, paramilitary forces, or officials in constitutional posts like the President, Governors, or Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Q10: What is the composition of CAT?

CAT consists of judicial members, who are typically former judges, and administrative members, who are experienced administrators or public servants.

Conclusion

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) serves a crucial role in providing justice to central government employees by addressing disputes related to service matters. Its major functions include adjudicating disputes on recruitment, promotions, pension, disciplinary actions, and ensuring compliance with service rules. By providing a specialized forum for these disputes, CAT helps in the speedy and effective resolution of cases, thereby reducing the burden on regular courts and upholding the rights of government employees.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified lawyer for personalized advice specific to your situation.

Advocate J.S. Rohilla (Civil & Criminal Lawyer in Indore)

Contact: 88271 22304