On January 6, 2025, the Supreme Court of India proposed the creation of new Benches of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. This suggestion aims to address the growing backlog of defence-related cases in these regions.
Current Situation
At present, the AFT Bench in Chandigarh is responsible for handling cases from Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. However, the increasing number of cases has put significant pressure on this single Bench, leading to delays in the resolution of cases.
Proposed Solution
The Supreme Court has recommended setting up circuit Benches at Jammu and Kashmir, Shimla, and Dharamshala. The Court believes that this move will help in reducing the backlog of cases and ensure faster resolutions.
Judicial Insights
Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, who were presiding over the case, emphasized that the burden of cases could be alleviated by establishing these additional Benches. Justice Kant also highlighted the delays in the process of appointing tribunal members due to the heavy workload of judges heading various committees. He stressed the need for a mechanism that initiates the process of filling vacancies six months before they arise.
Call to Action
Justice Kant addressed Attorney General R. Venkataramani, representing the Centre, urging the government to take action. The Court directed the Centre to gather data on the sanctioned strength of tribunals and the existing vacancies. Additionally, the Centre was instructed to provide suggestions on how to systematically fill these vacancies and submit details of ongoing processes for filling tribunal posts within the next four weeks.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What did the Supreme Court suggest on January 6, 2025, regarding the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)?
- A) Setting up new AFT Benches in Maharashtra and Gujarat
- B) Establishing circuit Benches in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
- C) Shifting all cases to the Supreme Court
- D) Reducing the number of judges in the AFT
Answer: B) Establishing circuit Benches in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
- Which regions are currently handled by the AFT Chandigarh Bench?
- A) Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
- B) Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
- C) Delhi and Punjab
- D) Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Answer: B) Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
- What did Justice Kant emphasize about the process of filling tribunal vacancies?
- A) It should be delayed to avoid overstaffing
- B) The process should begin six months before a vacancy arises
- C) Judges should be appointed only after public hearings
- D) Vacancies should be filled only by external agencies
Answer: B) The process should begin six months before a vacancy arises
- What did the Supreme Court direct the Centre to do regarding tribunals?
- A) Close all tribunals for review
- B) Collate data on the sanctioned strength and vacancies of tribunals
- C) Reduce the number of tribunals
- D) Appoint new members immediately without further review
Answer: B) Collate data on the sanctioned strength and vacancies of tribunals
- By when did the Supreme Court ask the Centre to submit details about the tribunal vacancy filling process?
- A) Within two weeks
- B) Within four weeks
- C) Within six months
- D) Within one year
Answer: B) Within four weeks