Rules drawn up to standardize the appointment of chairmen, members of various tribunals
In an effort to standardize recruitment and eligibility for various tribunal posts, establish a formal investigative mechanism for complaints of misconduct, and prescribe conditions of service and remuneration, the government came up with rules for the National Tribunals Commission. | Photo credit: iStockphoto/Getty Images
In an effort to standardize recruitment and eligibility for various tribunal posts, establish a formal investigative mechanism for complaints of misconduct, and prescribe conditions of service and remuneration, the government came up with rules for the National Tribunals Commission.
The rules, which were issued on September 30 and published by the Union Law Ministry on Thursday, will allow the newly formed National Tribunals Commission to appoint chairpersons and members of 16 tribunals and appellate bodies.
According to the Commission for National Tribunals and Qualifications, Selection and Conditions of Service of Chairpersons and Members of Tribunals Rules, 2026, the Chairperson of the Commission will receive ₹2.5 lakh per month and the members of the Commission will receive ₹2.25 lakh per month.
A similar salary applies to the presidents and members of the tribunal. There is provision for specific exemptions.
The rules state that the process of filling vacancies in tribunals should be started at least six months before they arise.
Search and selection committees will assess candidates through peer review, personal interaction and, where applicable, written exercises.
The National Tribunals Commission was established following the passage of the Tribunal Reforms Act by Parliament in August.
The bill was introduced as per the directions of the Supreme Court.
Ensuring independence
The main objective of the commission is to improve efficiency and ensure independence, transparency and uniformity in the qualification and appointment of chairmen and members of the various tribunals.
The proposed Delhi-based commission will consist of a chairman and four members, two of whom will be judicial and two technical members.
A retired Supreme Court judge or a retired Supreme Court president will be qualified to head the proposed senate.
The Supreme Court recently struck down some provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 on the grounds that they conflict with the principles of separation of powers and judicial independence and are inconsistent with earlier judicial pronouncements that clarified the norms governing the appointment, tenure and functioning of tribunal chairpersons and members.
The court also ordered the establishment of a Commission for National Tribunals that is independent, has expertise and adopts a transparent process and oversight mechanism for the selection and appointment of chairpersons and members of the various tribunals.
Published – 03 Oct 2026 02:01 IST