Plea in SC against Tribunal Reforms Act

Jairam Ramesh says law, passed without debate, revives ordinance struck down just days earlier by apex court

Rajya Sabha Member Jairam Ramesh on Monday approached the Supreme Court to declare unconstitutional provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act of 2021, which revives an ordinance struck down by the Supreme Court. Mr. Ramesh said the 2021 Act, which abolishes nine key tribunals, raises a serious threat to judicial independence by giving the government wide powers regarding appointments, service conditions, salaries, etc. of members of key tribunals. He said it was passed without parliamentary debate amidst ruckus in the House. The government is the largest litigant in these tribunals. The Tribunal Reforms Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha just days after the Supreme Court struck down the Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance of 2021. The government brought back, through the Bill, the same provisions in the ordinance which were struck down by the Supreme Court on July 14. This was done without even removing the basis of the judgement, Mr. Ramesh argued.