The Regional Benches Of Armed Forces Tribunal have come under scrutiny as the Supreme Court highlighted the need to expand its reach across states like Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. During a hearing on Monday, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh urged the Centre to consider establishing more regional and circuit benches for the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). This move aims to enhance accessibility, reduce litigation costs, and expedite hearings for serving and retired military personnel.
The Supreme Court emphasized the significant contributions from Chandigarh and surrounding regions to the Armed Forces and the challenges faced due to the limited presence of the AFT. Currently, Chandigarh has only one AFT bench, which struggles to handle the volume of cases effectively.
Need For Expansion In Chandigarh And Nearby Regions
The bench pointed out that setting up a regional bench in Chandigarh, coupled with circuit benches in Jammu, Srinagar, Shimla, and Dharamshala, could be a practical solution. These locations already have basic infrastructure that could support the functioning of circuit benches. The court noted, “Such a system will not only provide cost-effective solutions but also enhance access to justice, especially for retired officials who otherwise need to travel long distances.”
Vacancies And Selection Process Under Review
The court also directed the Attorney General of India to provide detailed data on vacancies and the progress of ongoing selection processes for tribunal members. Senior Advocate Vikas Singh argued that despite the Union Government’s assurances, there has been little progress in filling critical vacancies. He highlighted the absence of timely appointments, with a member of the Chandigarh AFT bench recently being transferred without a replacement.
Attorney General R Venkataramani informed the court that the AFT Chairperson is addressing internal administrative concerns and that the selection process is underway. However, the bench stressed the importance of implementing an advance selection process, given that member retirement dates are predetermined.
Proposal For Circuit Benches
The suggestion for circuit benches aims to alleviate logistical and financial burdens on petitioners. High Courts in these regions could also extend support to the AFT to streamline operations and expedite case hearings. The bench remarked, “Expanding access through circuit benches will not only save costs but also encourage local legal talent to contribute to tribunal matters.”
The Supreme Court has set a six-week timeline for further discussions on the matter, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these systemic challenges. The court’s proactive stance could pave the way for a more inclusive and efficient tribunal system for Armed Forces personnel.