Parliament passes Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026

Why in News?

The Rajya Sabha on 11 August 2026 passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) for appointments and administrative oversight of various tribunals across India. The Bill was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha on 10 August 2026.

The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 and aims to make the functioning of tribunals more efficient, independent, transparent and uniform.

Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026

• Purpose: Reform the appointment, qualifications, service conditions, administration and functioning of various tribunals.
• National Tribunals Commission (NTC): The Bill proposes a dedicated statutory body to oversee tribunal appointments and administration.
• Tribunals covered include CESTAT, CAT, SAT, DRTs, DRATs, TDSAT, NGT, NCLAT, NCDRC, Industrial Tribunals and ITAT.
• National Tribunals Commission

• Composition: 2 Judicial Members and 2 Technical Members.
• Headed by a former Supreme Court Judge or former Chief Justice of a High Court.
• Consultation: The Central Government must consult the Chief Justice of India before appointing the Chairperson or Judicial Members of the NTC.
• Objective: To make tribunal appointments transparent, independent and merit-based.
• Judicial Member: Must have served as a Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court.
• Technical Member: Must possess ability, integrity and standing, with at least 25 years of experience in areas such as public administration, finance, law, accountancy, banking, management or technology.
• Functions of the NTC: Under Section 4, the Commission will have powers/functions relating to:

• Conducting selection processes through Search-cum-Selection Committees.
• Reviewing the performance of tribunals.
• Overseeing inquiries against tribunal members.
• Maintaining a National Tribunals Data Grid.
• National Tribunals Data Grid: It will serve as a central repository of case-related information concerning tribunals covered under the legislation. It is expected to facilitate better data management, monitoring and institutional efficiency.

What Does the Bill Not Change?

• The Bill does not alter the jurisdiction of tribunals.
• Its primary focus is on institutional structure, appointments, administration and functioning.

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