Tribunals were created to reduce the judiciary’s caseload and handle specialised disputes. Their effectiveness depends on timely appointments, adequate resources and institutional
The Bill proposes an independent National Tribunals Commission (NTC) to oversee appointments and administration, reducing the executive’s role in the selection process
The NTC will be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or high court chief justice, with two retired high court judges and two technical members, giving the judiciary a majority
The selection committee will recommend one name for each vacancy, with a waiting list. Strict timelines for recommendations and approvals will further limit government discretion
The NTC’s secretariat will track vacancies, advertise posts, process applications and support selections
Administrative ministries will have no role in this process, improving institutional continuity
The proposed framework could also inform the debate on appointments to the higher judiciary
A permanent secretariat and single-name recommendations may address some concerns over the collegium system