Tribunals and Commissions

The tribunal system was evolved in our country to provide an alternative to the regular Courts. The tribunals are presided over by the experts of the respective fields and are not only less costly in comparison to regular Courts but also they effectively resolve the disputes by taking much less time in comparison to the regular Courts. Examples of tribunals are-Central Administrative Tribunal, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Central Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal etc.

Tribunals are established under varied circumstances, for example Article 323A of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment of Administrative Tribunals for trial of disputes and complaints with respect to recruitment, conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and other allied matters. Article 323B of the Constitution makes provision for creation of tribunals for judging or trial of disputes, complaints or offences connected with tax, foreign exchange, industrial and labour disputes, land reforms, ceiling on urban property, election to Parliament and State Legislature etc. The Parliament has power to enact any law under Article 323A while both Parliament and Legislatures can make laws on matters under Article 323B.