The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is poised to mark a significant milestone this Saturday, September 20, 2025, as it convenes its 10th All India Conference at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event, signaling both a celebration of CAT’s legacy and a forward-looking deliberation on its future, will bring together the highest echelons of India’s judiciary and government.
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, Chief Justice of India, will inaugurate the conference, joined by an august panel of Supreme Court judges: Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, Justice Prasanna B. Varale, and Justice Vijay Bishnoi. Their presence underscores the CAT’s enduring relevance to the nation’s legal and administrative framework. According to The New Indian Express, the event will also be graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Department of Space and Atomic Energy, and Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. Shri R. Venkataramani, Attorney General of India, will also be in attendance, alongside judges of High Courts, senior government officials, and senior advocates.
The Central Administrative Tribunal was established on November 1, 1985, as a direct result of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, following the 42nd Constitutional Amendment and the insertion of Article 323A into the Constitution. Its creation was a response to the growing need for a specialized body to adjudicate disputes and complaints related to recruitment and service conditions of public servants across the Union, States, and other local authorities under the Government of India.
From its inception, the CAT has been tasked with a broad mandate. It exercises jurisdiction not only over government employees but also over those working in 230 Public Sector Undertakings and various organizations notified by the government. The Principal Bench is located in New Delhi, but its reach extends nationwide through 18 Outlying Benches. The Tribunal is headed by a Chairman—typically a retired Chief Justice of a High Court—and is comprised of 69 Members, split between 35 Judicial Members (including the Chairman) and 34 Administrative Members.
Over the past 39 years, the CAT has become a cornerstone for government employees seeking redress for service-related grievances. The numbers tell a compelling story: between 1985 and July 2025, approximately 972,720 cases have been instituted before the Tribunal. Of these, 903,617 have been disposed of, reflecting a remarkable disposal rate of 92.89%. This efficiency is particularly noteworthy given the complexity and diversity of cases spanning the entire spectrum of public service employment.
One of the unique features of the CAT’s functioning is its adherence to the principles of natural justice, operating free from the rigid procedures of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC). This approach, as highlighted by The New Indian Express, allows the Tribunal to provide inexpensive and speedy justice. Aggrieved government employees can file applications with a nominal fee of just ₹50, making the process accessible to a wide cross-section of society.
The 10th All India Conference is not just a ceremonial gathering; it is a vital forum for reflection and strategizing. The core agenda revolves around strengthening the judicial and administrative system within the CAT’s purview. There is a particular emphasis on enhancing efficiency, further improving the already impressive disposal rates, and ensuring the timely delivery of justice to government employees. According to official statements cited by The New Indian Express, the deliberations are expected to yield actionable strategies that will further bolster CAT’s role as a cost-effective and effective forum for resolving service-related grievances.
The conference also serves as a reminder of the Tribunal’s origin story. The 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which paved the way for Article 323A, was a transformative moment in India’s legal history. It recognized the need for specialized tribunals to handle service matters, thereby relieving the regular courts of a significant burden and ensuring that government employees had a dedicated avenue for their concerns. The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, formalized this vision, and the CAT has since evolved into a robust institution that many now take for granted.
Behind these statistics and legal provisions lies a deeper narrative about the changing nature of public service in India. Over nearly four decades, the CAT has adapted to shifts in government structure, the expansion of public sector undertakings, and the increasing complexity of employment law. Its ability to maintain a high disposal rate while providing affordable access to justice is a testament to its institutional resilience.
The conference’s distinguished guest list is not just for show—it reflects the Tribunal’s central role in the machinery of government. The presence of the Chief Justice of India and other Supreme Court judges signals the judiciary’s endorsement of CAT’s mission. Meanwhile, the involvement of key ministers and the Attorney General underscores the executive branch’s recognition of the Tribunal’s importance in maintaining a fair and efficient civil service system.
For government employees, the CAT represents more than a legal forum; it is often their first and sometimes only recourse when faced with disputes over recruitment, promotions, transfers, or disciplinary actions. The Tribunal’s accessibility—both in terms of cost and procedural simplicity—has empowered countless individuals to seek justice without the daunting barriers that often accompany litigation in regular courts.
As the conference unfolds at Bharat Mandapam, participants will not only celebrate past achievements but also confront ongoing challenges. The need for continuous improvement is ever-present: as the volume and complexity of cases grow, so too does the demand for innovation in case management and adjudication. The discussions are expected to touch on digitalization, capacity building, and new strategies for further reducing pendency.
Looking ahead, the CAT’s journey is far from over. Its foundational principles—accessibility, affordability, and efficiency—remain as relevant today as they were in 1985. The 10th All India Conference offers an opportunity for introspection and renewal, setting the stage for the next phase of the Tribunal’s evolution. For those who rely on its services, and for the broader Indian administrative system, the CAT’s continued vitality is a matter of profound significance.
As the curtains rise on the conference, all eyes will be on the deliberations and the roadmap that emerges. The CAT’s legacy of delivering justice swiftly and fairly stands as a beacon for tribunals everywhere, and its future promises to be just as impactful.
