Lok Sabha Proceedings and Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026
On August 10, 2026, the Lok Sabha passed a significant Bill aimed at establishing a National Tribunals Commission without engaging in a debate, due to ongoing protests by the Opposition. The Opposition demanded a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on a prior incident involving police and students.
Highlights of the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026
- Introduction and Passage: Aim is to replace the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021.
- Commission Structure:
- The commission will have a chairperson and four members.
- Members include two judicial and two technical experts.
- Eligibility to head the commission includes being a retired Supreme Court judge or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court.
- Objectives and Improvements:
- Uniformity in the selection and appointment of tribunal members.
- Enhance efficiency, transparency, and independence.
- The jurisdiction of tribunals remains unchanged.
- Context and Background:
- Supreme Court intervention highlighted flaws in the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021.
- Provisions were deemed contrary to the principles of separation of powers and judicial independence.
- The court had directed the creation of an independent commission with transparent procedures for appointments.
- Provisions of the Bill:
- Defines qualifications, selection, and appointment processes for tribunal members.
- Outlines salaries, allowances, tenure, resignation, removal, and service conditions.
