Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has said that vacancy in various tribunals across the country was a major problem in the current situation.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the new office premises of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Mumbai on Friday, the CJI said that he often wondered whether so many tribunals have been constituted in the first place, when there were not enough judges.
Noting that since there were not enough judges, he said the vacancies were kept open for a long time.
The CJI further highlighted that there was a constant tussle over who will control the appointment of judges.
Appreciating the growth of CAT since its inception, the CJI emphasised its contribution in unclogging the courts and expediting justice delivery in service matters.
He said CAT had played a vital role in providing a shorter route for certain categories of litigants, thus reducing the burden of lengthy legal battles, especially for vulnerable individuals.
Calling it a unique achievement, he lauded the work of both judicial and administrative members of CAT.
The CJI highlighted the unique strengths brought by the combination of legal expertise from judicial members and an understanding of grassroots realities from administrative members.