Central Administrative Tribunal

The Central Administrative Tribunal is a statutory quasi-judicial body established under Article 323A of the Constitution to adjudicate disputes regarding recruitment and service conditions of public servants in Union services.

Under Indian Polity & Governance

• It reduces the burden on regular civil courts and High Courts by providing specialized, flexible, and speedy adjudication of service disputes.
• It illustrates the dynamics of tribunalization and judicial review, particularly how High Courts retain writ jurisdiction over tribunal decisions.
• It forms a core component of administrative law and public service governance under Part XIV of the Constitution.

UPSC tests this topic under Indian Polity and Governance by examining the balance between administrative autonomy and constitutional judicial review. Questions frequently focus on the functional challenges of tribunals, such as pendency, vacancies, and independence from parent departments. Candidates are expected to critically evaluate tribunal efficiency alongside the procedural framework established by landmark judicial rulings.

• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies GS2
• Separation of powers: dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions GS2