Tribunals Bill Passed Amid Opposition Protests

The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill amid protests by opposition members. The Bill was approved through a voice vote, following which Speaker adjourned the House until Tuesday. The legislation has been prepared in line with earlier Supreme Court directions aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and uniformity in the eligibility and appointment process of tribunal chairpersons and members.

The Bill lays down provisions for establishing a National Tribunal Commission. The proposed body will consist of a chairperson and four members, including two from the judicial field and two from the technical sector. The chairperson will be appointed from among a retired Supreme Court judge or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court.