Major Relief for CAs: Supreme Court Removes 25-Year Experience Requirement for Tribunal Posts

The Supreme Court struck down the requirement of 25 years’ professional experience for Chartered Accountants seeking appointment as technical members of tribunals, including ITAT. The Court held that such an onerous requirement unfairly restricted opportunities and had no rational nexus with competence. The judgment mandates the Union Government to revise eligibility norms, opening tribunal roles to younger, highly qualified professionals. The decision is significant for judicial reform, tribunal efficiency, and the broader governance structure of quasi-judicial bodies.