SC Slams Centre Over Poor Tribunal Facilities: “Abolish Them If You Can’t Maintain”

New Delhi, September 16 (TNA) The Supreme Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the Centre for failing to provide adequate infrastructure and amenities to retired judges appointed to tribunals, calling the situation “shocking” and unsustainable. A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan stated that many former High Court and Supreme Court judges decline to take up tribunal posts after realising the ground reality.

“Why are they applying and not joining? Because they see the reality — no facilities, no respect. Even for stationery, they have to beg,” the bench remarked. The court highlighted how former Chief Justices and senior judges are left with minimal support, sometimes even assigned “the most rickety car” in the department.

Addressing Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee, the bench said, “Parliament has passed the Acts, but there is no judicial impact assessment, no budgetary allocation. How are you treating the tribunals?”

The court warned that if the government cannot provide basic support, such as housing, transportation, and office supplies, it should consider abolishing tribunals altogether and let high courts handle the cases instead. The matter underscores growing concerns about the viability and dignity of the tribunal appointments.