Keywords: Tribunal, Vacancies, Functioning, Appointment
The Bombay High Court had learned that the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) has four vacant seats since 2021 and last year in July, the recommended candidates’ lists were also sent to the Central Government. It was intimated by the Central Government that it would take 3 months to complete the process of verification. As for the issue of vacancies still being open, an advocate named Yogesh Morbale from Kolhapur, Maharashtra highlighted lack of funds in his plea which showed a reason for lack of resources and employees at the tribunal[1]. This petition from him raised the grievances regarding the functioning of the said tribunal and further directed for prioritizing and considering this issue.
Concerned that this situation is prejudicial to the litigants, the acting bench passed an order to check into this issue and take all the required steps at the earliest. Additionally, it was observed that this issue of vacancies in the administrative tribunal has affected the functioning of Nagpur and Aurangabad division benches as well and thus the Court has initiated to convey this to the concerned department of the Government in order to make them familiar with the concept that a standstill in the functioning of an administrative tribunal is in interest of nobody. The High Court also has sought a report of progress from the Central Government for the matter[2]. The Central Government replied to that saying the appointment process is in progress. Providing the nature and functions of the tribunal, the Court mentioned that any negligence of work on the part of authorities is neither encouraged nor permitted.
Thus, the High Court of Bombay for that matter has asked the Central Government to take up all the necessary actions to fill up these vacancies that are open in various branches of Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal by the first week of October 2023 for the uninterrupted and efficient management of work and other related processes.
Written by – Vaishnavi N, College name – Alliance School of Law, Alliance University, Bengaluru, Semester – 3rd semester, An intern under Legal Vidhiya
[1] Bar and Bench, https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/bombay-high-court-asks-central-government-fill-vacancies-maharashtra-administrative-tribunal (last visited on 3rd Aug, 2023).
[2] The Times of India, https://m.timesofindia.com/city/mumbai/hc-to-centre-vacancies-in-mat-need-to-be-filled-fast/articleshow/102000468.cms?frmapp=yes (last visited on 3rd Aug, 2023).
