Central Administrative Tribunal Matters

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) adjudicates disputes and complaints concerning the recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts under the Government of India. CAT provides an alternative forum to the traditional civil courts for service-related grievances, offering specialized, expedited adjudication. It interprets service rules, disciplinary actions, promotions, pay and pension disputes, and transfer orders affecting government employees.

Key features

• Jurisdiction: CAT has jurisdiction over central government employees, certain statutory bodies and organizations specified under the Administrative Tribunals Act.
• Scope: Matters include recruitment, promotion, seniority, pay fixation, disciplinary proceedings, pension disputes and terminations.
• Procedure: CAT follows tribunal rules with emphasis on summary disposal, limited evidence and technical pleadings tailored for service law issues.
• Appeals: Decisions of CAT can be appealed to the respective High Court on points of law, and to the Supreme Court in rare cases of significant legal questions.
• Remedies: Remedies include reinstatement, back wages, quashing of orders, and directions to follow rules or policy.

Practical considerations

Litigating before CAT requires thorough familiarity with service rules, departmental conduct rules, case law and administrative procedures. Timeliness is critical—applications must be filed within statutory limitation periods. Evidence often revolves around documents, show-cause notices, disciplinary records and internal memos; oral testimony is limited. Parties should be prepared with precise pleadings, statutory references and details of prejudice suffered. Settlement and conciliation efforts are also common, as CAT can encourage early resolution in sensitive employment disputes.