People in power corridors are keenly observing the developments pertaining to the long due appointments of Judicial Members in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).

If some well-placed sources are to be believed, as against proposed nine posts of Judicial Member Judicial, appointment of only four were cleared on 24 October 2019. Of four, Justice Vijay Lakshmi (former Judge of Allahabad HC) joined CAT but rest three opted not to join in the wake of Kudrat Sandhu Case which had reduced the term of appointment from 5 yrs to 3 yrs and curbed LTC and leave benefits considerably including others. Though decisions on Kudrat Sandhu Case was quashed later but decision on further appointments hanged in balance. In the meanwhile number of vacancies of Member Judicial have reached to 13 at present.

If some top sources are to be believed the establishment might be unwilling for a 5 years term for CAT Members. It may be substantiated by the fact that the Govt on October 15 cleared the appointment of six members in NCLAT for a term of 3 years whereas posts when advertised clearly stated a 5 years term.

ALSO READ:

File for appointment of CAT Members submitted to ACC

(News dated 16.11.2019)