The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 mandates that the NGT must consist of a minimum of how many full-time judicial and expert members?
- Fifteen each
- Twenty each
- Ten each
- Five each
Explanation: The NGT Act specifies that the Tribunal shall consist of a full-time Chairperson and not less than 10 but subject to a maximum of 20 full-time Judicial and Expert Members each.
Article 323A restricts the establishment of Administrative Tribunals exclusively to the:
- Parliament
- State Legislature
- President
- Supreme Court
Explanation: Article 323A empowers only the Parliament to establish administrative tribunals for public service matters. State legislatures do not have this power under 323A.
Which case struck down the National Tax Tribunal Act, 2005, citing it violated the basic structure by transferring HC powers?
- Madras Bar Association (2014)
- Roger Mathew Case
- L. Chandra Kumar v. UOI
- R. Gandhi v. Union of India
Explanation: In Madras Bar Association v. Union of India (2014), the Supreme Court struck down the National Tax Tribunal Act as it unlawfully transferred the appellate jurisdiction of High Courts to the tribunal.
The Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) was originally established in 1982 under the name of:
- Indirect Tax Board
- CEGAT
- Revenue Tribunal
- Central Tax Court
Explanation: CESTAT was created in 1982 as the Customs, Excise and Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal (CEGAT). It was later renamed CESTAT in 2003.
Under Article 323B, disputes relating to the ceiling on urban property can be adjudicated by tribunals established by:
- Appropriate Legislature
- State Legislature only
- President of India
- Only the Union Parliament
Explanation: Article 323B allows the 'appropriate legislature' (which could be Parliament or a State Legislature, depending on legislative competence) to set up tribunals for specific matters.
Following the L. Chandra Kumar judgment, appeals against the orders of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) lie directly before the:
- President of India
- Single Judge of High Court
- Division Bench of High Court
- Supreme Court
Explanation: The Supreme Court ruled that appeals against tribunal orders must first go to a Division Bench of the respective High Court before approaching the Supreme Court.
Though functioning akin to tribunals, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is a quasi-judicial commission set up under the:
- Consumer Protection Act
- Sale of Goods Act
- Essential Commodities
- Competition Act
Explanation: The NCDRC is a quasi-judicial body established in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 (now updated to the 2019 Act) to hear consumer dispute appeals.
Tribunals constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 differ from Article 323B tribunals primarily because their establishment is derived from:
- Article 263
- Provision 256
- Art 131
- Article 262
Explanation: Unlike standard administrative or sectoral tribunals formed under Part XIV-A, inter-state water dispute tribunals are exclusively established under the distinct constitutional mandate of Article 262.
A State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) is established by the President on the specific request of the:
- State Government
- State Legislature
- Chief Minister
- Governor of the State
Explanation: The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 empowers the Central government (President) to establish a SAT on the specific request of the concerned State Government.
The Roger Mathew vs South Indian Bank case (2019) struck down the Tribunal rules primarily because they compromised:
- Federal financial relations
- Judicial Independence
- State Legislative Powers
- The power of the President
Explanation: The Supreme Court struck down the Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal and other Authorities Rules, 2017, as they gave excessive control to the Executive over appointments and tenure, violating judicial independence.
Which body serves as an appellate authority against the orders passed by the State Pollution Control Boards under the Water Act?
- NGT
- Supreme Court
- CPCB
- The High Courts
Explanation: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has appellate jurisdiction to hear challenges against decisions made by State Pollution Control Boards under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Initially, the Administrative Tribunals Act 1985 allowed purely administrative officers to be appointed as Vice-Chairmen. This was later struck down to preserve:
- Bureaucratic efficiency
- Legislative supremacy
- Federal balance
- Judicial independence
Explanation: In subsequent rulings, the Supreme Court mandated that to maintain judicial independence and the basic structure, the executive must not dominate tribunal appointments, requiring a stronger judicial presence.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is NOT bound by the strict procedural rules laid down under the:
- Code of Criminal Procedure
- Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
- Environmental Protection Act
- Indian Evidence Act
Explanation: The NGT is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but is guided by the principles of natural justice.
Does the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) exercise original jurisdiction over the employees of the Supreme Court of India or the secretarial staff of Parliament?
- Only Parliament staff
- Only Supreme Court
- Both are covered
- Neither is covered
Explanation: Officers and servants of the Supreme Court and the secretarial staff of Parliament are specifically excluded from the jurisdiction of the Central Administrative Tribunal.
Under the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, the Search-cum-Selection Committee for tribunal members has the casting vote vested in the:
- Law Minister
- Prime Minister
- Cabinet Secretary
- Chief Justice
Explanation: The Act mandates that the Chairperson of the committee (the Chief Justice of India or their Supreme Court nominee) holds the casting vote in case of a tie, ensuring judicial primacy in appointments.
The principle of 'res judicata' applies to tribunal proceedings. Which legal maxim closely aligns with this?
- Nemo debet bis vexari
- Volenti non fit injuria
- Audi alteram partem
- Ignorantia juris non excusat
Explanation: The maxim 'Nemo debet bis vexari' means no man shall be put twice in peril for the same offence, which forms the basis of res judicata (a matter already judged).
Article 323A restricts the establishment of Administrative Tribunals to public service matters of the Union, States, and:
- Foreign sovereign entities
- Civil society organizations
- Multinational bodies
- Local bodies and PSUs
Explanation: Article 323A(1) explicitly extends the scope of administrative tribunals to the public services of local or other authorities within the territory of India, or under the control of the Government of India, or of any corporation owned or controlled by the Government.
In the composition of tribunals, the Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that the number of technical members should:
- Not exceed judicial members
- Exceed judicial members
- Be twice the judicial ones
- Be completely eliminated
Explanation: The Supreme Court has strictly laid down that to preserve the judicial character of tribunals, the number of technical members must never exceed the number of judicial members.
Under Article 323A, who determines the jurisdiction, powers, and authority of the Administrative Tribunals?
- Supreme Court
- Union Cabinet
- The President
- Parliament
Explanation: Article 323A allows Parliament to make a law providing for the adjudication of public service disputes, including detailing the tribunal's jurisdiction and powers.
Where is the Principal Place of Sitting of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) located?
- Chennai
- New Delhi
- Bhopal
- Kolkata
Explanation: New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the NGT, with regional benches located in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) is empowered to punish for contempt of itself under the provisions of the:
- Military Justice Code
- Contempt of Courts Act
- Army Act 1950
- Armed Forces Tribunal Act
Explanation: Section 30 of the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 states that the Tribunal shall have and exercise the same jurisdiction, powers and authority as a High Court under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Under the Administrative Tribunals Act, CAT has the same powers as a civil court regarding which of the following?
- Issuing writ of mandamus
- Passing criminal sentences
- Summoning of witnesses
- Amending service rules
Explanation: While discharging its functions, the CAT has the same powers as a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in respect of matters like summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath.
Article 323B does NOT explicitly cover the creation of tribunals for which of the following matters?
- Elections to legislature
- Rent and tenancy
- Inter-state river water
- Foreign exchange
Explanation: Inter-state river water disputes are dealt with separately under Article 262 (Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956), not under the tribunal provisions of Article 323B.
The members of the Joint Administrative Tribunal (JAT) for two or more states are appointed by the:
- President of India
- Parliament of India
- Chief Justice of India
- Participating Governors
Explanation: In the case of a Joint Administrative Tribunal (JAT), the Chairman and members are appointed directly by the President of India after consulting the Governors of the concerned states.
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) derives its powers and establishment from which specific legislation?
- Civil Services Tribunal Act 1980
- Central Tribunal Reforms Act 2021
- Direct powers from Article 323A
- Admin Tribunals Act 1985
Explanation: Parliament enacted the Administrative Tribunals Act in 1985 in pursuance of Article 323A, which provided for the establishment of CAT and SATs.
The Finance Act, 2021 abolished the Income Tax Settlement Commission (ITSC) and replaced it with which new mechanism to handle pending cases?
- Central Board of Direct Taxes
- Tax Conciliation Committee
- Interim Board for Settlement
- Dispute Resolution Panel
Explanation: To resolve the cases pending before the abolished ITSC, the government constituted the 'Interim Board for Settlement' consisting of three members of the rank of Chief Commissioner.
A Search-cum-Selection Committee for tribunal appointments, as mandated by the Supreme Court, must be headed by:
- Chief Justice of India
- Union Cabinet Secretary
- Minister of Law and Justice
- Prime Minister of India
Explanation: To ensure judicial independence, the Supreme Court ordered that Search-cum-Selection Committees for tribunals must be headed by the Chief Justice of India or their nominee.
Traditionally, the Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) must be a sitting or retired judge of a:
- Supreme Court
- Subordinate Court
- District Court
- High Court
Explanation: The Chairman of CAT is usually a sitting or retired judge of a High Court, ensuring that the tribunal has a strong judicial foundation.
Which doctrine dictates that tribunals, despite being executive creations, must discharge judicial functions independently?
- Doctrine of Pith and Substance
- Constitutional Doctrine of Eclipse
- Doctrine of Separation of Powers
- Doctrine of Harmonious Construction
Explanation: Tribunals represent a blending of executive and judicial functions. To maintain the basic structure (Separation of Powers), the Supreme Court insists their judicial independence must not be compromised by executive control.
Does the Central Government have the power to abolish a State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) once it is established?
- No it is permanent
- Yes by simple notification
- Yes upon State request
- Only by constitutional amendment
Explanation: Following the precedent set in the MP Administrative Tribunal case, the Supreme Court ruled that the power to establish under the ATA 1985 implicitly includes the power to abolish it upon the State's request.
Which of the following is NOT one of the specified legislations under which the NGT can hear civil environmental disputes?
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
- Forest Conservation Act
- Water Act, 1974
- Public Liability Insurance
Explanation: The NGT has jurisdiction over seven environmental laws, but crucially, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 are kept out of its jurisdiction.
The power to establish tribunals for the adjudication of election disputes relating to Parliament and State Legislatures is granted under:
- Article 323B provision
- Exclusively Art 324
- Under Article 323A
- Constitutional Article 329
Explanation: Article 323B(2)(f) explicitly allows the appropriate legislature to establish tribunals for the adjudication of disputes relating to elections to either House of Parliament or State Legislatures.
The Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 abolished the Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB). Where do appeals regarding patents and trademarks now directly lie?
- Commercial Courts
- High Courts
- Supreme Court
- District Courts
Explanation: With the abolition of the IPAB in 2021, its appellate jurisdiction over matters related to patents, trademarks, and geographical indications was restored to the respective High Courts.
A key difference between Article 323A and 323B is that under 323A, only Parliament can establish tribunals, whereas under 323B tribunals can be established by:
- State High Courts
- The Supreme Court
- Only the President
- State Legislatures
Explanation: Article 323B empowers the 'appropriate legislature', which includes both Parliament and State Legislatures (depending on their legislative competence over the subject matter), to establish tribunals.
Which Amendment to the Constitution of India added Part XIV-A, introducing provisions for Administrative Tribunals?
- 44th Amendment
- 42nd Amendment Act
- 73rd Amendment Act of 1992
- First Amendment Act, 1951
Explanation: Part XIV-A, consisting of Articles 323A and 323B, was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1976 to provide for the adjudication of disputes by tribunals.
Foreigners Tribunals, operational extensively in Assam, are quasi-judicial bodies established by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the provisions of the:
- Citizenship Act 1955
- Foreigners Act 1946
- Assam Accord 1985
- Illegal Migrants Act
Explanation: Foreigners Tribunals were established under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, which was issued utilizing the powers granted under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act, 1946.
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is strictly an intermediate appellate forum. Its decisions can only be challenged in the:
- Supreme Court
- Commercial Courts
- High Courts
- District Courts
Explanation: Decisions and orders passed by the NCLAT can be appealed against solely before the Supreme Court of India on any question of law arising out of such orders.
Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) were established in 1993 for the expeditious adjudication and recovery of debts due to banks, based on the recommendations of the:
- Kelkar Task Force
- Santhanam Committee
- Tiwari Committee
- Narasimham Panel
Explanation: The Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993, establishing DRTs, was enacted following the recommendations of the Tiwari Committee (1981).
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is also the appellate authority for orders passed by the:
- Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal
- Competition Commission of India
- Securities Exchange Board
- Telecom Disputes Tribunal
Explanation: Apart from hearing appeals against the NCLT, the NCLAT also serves as the appellate tribunal for hearing appeals against the orders passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
What is the tenure of the Chairperson of the Central Administrative Tribunal as per the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021?
- 5 years or 65 years of age
- 3 years or 65 years of age
- 4 years or 65 years of age
- 4 years or 70 years of age
Explanation: The Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 fixed the term of the Chairperson of tribunals (including CAT) to 4 years or until the age of 70, whichever is earlier.
While tribunals are not strictly courts, they possess the trappings of a court and have the power to punish for:
- Administrative delay
- Contempt of themselves
- Legislative non-compliance
- Executive overreach
Explanation: Like High Courts, many specialized tribunals (such as CAT and NGT) are vested with the statutory power to punish for contempt of themselves to enforce their orders.
Appeals against the decisions of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) can generally be made only to the:
- President's Office
- High Court of the State
- Ministry of Defence
- Supreme Court of India
Explanation: Unlike most other tribunals where appeals go to the High Court under Article 226/227, the AFT Act provides for a direct appeal to the Supreme Court of India.
The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) is a statutory body established to hear appeals against the orders of SEBI, PFRDA, and which other regulatory body?
- Competition Commission
- IRDAI
- Forward Markets Comm
- Reserve Bank of India
Explanation: Under the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Act, 2015, the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) was empowered to hear appeals against the orders of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) hears appeals against the orders of the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and also the:
- NITI Aayog
- Telecom Disputes Tribunal
- Competition Commission
- Petroleum Natural Gas Board
Explanation: APTEL's jurisdiction was expanded to include hearing appeals against the orders of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
Which category of public servants is expressly EXCLUDED from the jurisdiction of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)?
- Armed forces personnel
- All India Services
- Civilian defence employees
- Central Secretariat staff
Explanation: Members of the naval, military, or air forces, or any other armed forces of the Union are excluded from CAT's jurisdiction. (Civilian employees in defence services are covered).
Article 323B empowers BOTH Parliament and State Legislatures to establish tribunals for which of the following matters?
- Public services
- Land reforms and rent
- Foreign exchange
- Armed forces
Explanation: Under Article 323B, the appropriate legislature (Parliament or State Legislature) can establish tribunals for matters like taxation, foreign exchange, and land reforms/rent tenancy.
The concept of 'Tribunalization of Justice' was initially justified primarily to reduce the burden on courts and to provide:
- Extremely formal adjudication
- Highly complex procedural hurdles
- Strict executive control over courts
- Affordable and speedier justice
Explanation: Tribunals were established with the objective of providing specialized, affordable, and speedier justice by bypassing the complex and rigid procedural hurdles of traditional courts.
The Railway Claims Tribunal was established to inquire into claims for compensation against the Railway Administration for:
- Employee wage claims
- Cargo loss claims
- Corporate contract defaults
- Freight rate classifications
Explanation: The Railway Claims Tribunal adjudicates claims for compensation regarding loss, destruction, damage, deterioration, or non-delivery of animals or goods entrusted to the railways, as well as passenger accidents.
Any person aggrieved by an award or decision of the National Green Tribunal can file an appeal directly to the Supreme Court within how many days?
- Ninety days
- Sixty days
- Thirty days
- Forty-five days
Explanation: Section 22 of the NGT Act allows an appeal to the Supreme Court against any award, decision, or order of the Tribunal within 90 days of communication.
In which case did the Supreme Court explicitly state that tribunals must possess the same independence from the executive as the High Courts?
- L. Chandra Kumar
- R.K. Jain case
- Madras Bar Association
- S.P. Sampath Kumar
Explanation: In S.P. Sampath Kumar v. Union of India (1987), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the CAT but emphasized that tribunals acting as substitutes for High Courts must possess equal independence.
Which of the following bodies was the FIRST major tribunal to be established in India, long predating the insertion of Part XIV-A?
- CAT
- NGT
- Railway Rates Tribunal
- Income Tax Appellate Tribunal
Explanation: The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) was established in January 1941, making it one of the oldest tribunals in India, created well before the 42nd Amendment.
After the rationalization of tribunals, the appellate jurisdiction over the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) was transferred to which tribunal?
Explanation: The Finance Act, 2017 merged several tribunals. The appellate functions regarding the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) and Cyber Appellate Tribunal were transferred to TDSAT.
The Supreme Court has clarified that while Parliament can create tribunals, the total ouster of the jurisdiction of ALL civil courts and High Courts simultaneously violates:
- Directive Principles
- Fundamental Rights
- The Basic Structure
- Sovereign Immunity
Explanation: The L. Chandra Kumar judgment established that the judicial review power of the High Courts under Article 226/227 is a part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution and cannot be entirely ousted by creating tribunals.
The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) does NOT have jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the:
- Air Force Act, 1950
- Assam Rifles Act
- Army Act, 1950
- Navy Act, 1957
Explanation: The AFT has jurisdiction over matters relating to the Army Act, Navy Act, and Air Force Act. Paramilitary forces like Assam Rifles fall outside its purview.
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) was constituted largely on the recommendations of which committee?
- Narsimham Committee
- Kelkar Task Force
- Santhanam Committee
- Justice Eradi Committee
Explanation: The Justice V. Balakrishna Eradi Committee recommended the setting up of the NCLT and NCLAT to streamline insolvency and company law dispute resolution.
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) was formally established under Section 408 of which specific legislation?
- Companies Act 1956
- Companies Act 2013
- Insolvency Code
- Competition Act
Explanation: While recommended earlier, the NCLT was officially constituted on June 1, 2016, under the provisions of Section 408 of the Companies Act, 2013.
In which landmark case did the Supreme Court declare the exclusion of High Court jurisdiction under Article 323A and 323B unconstitutional?
- Madras Bar Association
- Roger Mathew v. South Indian Bank
- L. Chandra Kumar
- S.P. Sampath Kumar
Explanation: In L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997), the Supreme Court held that the power of judicial review of High Courts under Articles 226/227 is a part of the basic structure and cannot be ousted by tribunals.
Which High Court famously quashed the establishment of the state's Administrative Tribunal, leading to its abolition?
- Madhya Pradesh High Court
- High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam
- High Court of Judicature at Bombay
- Madras High Court
Explanation: The Madhya Pradesh High Court quashed the establishment of the MP Administrative Tribunal, setting a precedent that states can request the abolition of SATs.
Following the L. Chandra Kumar ruling, decisions of the Central Administrative Tribunal are subject to the writ jurisdiction of the High Court under which Article?
- Article 32
- Article 136
- Article 226
- Article 142
Explanation: The Supreme Court in L. Chandra Kumar held that tribunals are not substitutes for High Courts. Therefore, their decisions are subject to the judicial review of the High Courts under Articles 226 and 227.
Industrial Tribunals are set up by the appropriate government for the adjudication of industrial disputes under the provisions of the:
- Trade Unions Act
- Labour Codes 2020
- Industrial Disputes Act
- Factories Act 1948
Explanation: Section 7A of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, empowers the appropriate Government to constitute one or more Industrial Tribunals for the adjudication of industrial disputes.