Supreme Court Quashes Tribunal Reforms Act Provisions On Appointment And Tenure

The Supreme Court struck down several provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act related to appointment, tenure, and conditions of service of tribunal members. The Court reiterated that tribunals must be free from executive control to maintain judicial independence. By reintroducing provisions earlier held unconstitutional, the government was found to be disregarding judicial directives. The Court censured the Union Government, observing that repeated legislative attempts to undermine tribunal independence violate constitutional principles. The decision underscores separation of powers, insisting that tribunals perform judicial functions and must therefore retain autonomy. The judgment strengthens institutional safeguards against arbitrary executive influence and marks a crucial reaffirmation of the checks-and-balances framework.