Parliament passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, with the Lok Sabha clearing it on 10 August 2026 and the Rajya Sabha following on 11 August 2026. The Bill repeals the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, and creates the National Tribunals Commission (NTC). It follows the Supreme Court's directions in Madras Bar Association v. Union of India, which had struck down parts of the 2021 Act for undermining judicial independence and the separation of powers.

Basic Details

  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Law and Justice.
  • Passed: Lok Sabha, 10 August 2026; Rajya Sabha, 11 August 2026, during the Monsoon Session.
  • Repeals: Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021.
  • Establishes: National Tribunals Commission (NTC).

Key Provisions

  • Search-cum-Selection Committee: For each Tribunal vacancy, the NTC forms a search-cum-selection committee. It is headed by the NTC chairperson for a Tribunal chairperson's post, or a judicial member for a member's post. The committee also includes a technical member, a central government secretary, two expert members, and the Commission Secretary.
  • Recommendation and Appointment: The committee recommends one name for each vacancy, plus one name on a waiting list. The central government must make the appointment within three months.
  • Term and Age Limit for Tribunals: Tribunal chairpersons hold office for five years, or until the age of 70, whichever is earlier. Members hold office for five years, or until 67, whichever is earlier. Both are eligible for re-appointment based on past performance.
  • Grounds for Removal: The central government can remove a Tribunal chairperson or member for insolvency, conviction involving moral turpitude, physical or mental incapacity, abuse of position, incompetence or inefficiency, or engaging in paid outside assignments.
  • National Tribunals Data Grid: The Bill mandates a digital data grid to track case pendency and monitor Tribunal administration in real time.
  • No Change in Jurisdiction: Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal told the House that the Bill does not alter the jurisdiction of any Tribunal under its parent Act.

About the National Tribunals Commission

The NTC is the independent statutory body the Bill sets up to run this selection and oversight process. Its composition, genesis, and full powers are covered in the linked concept below.