Types of Tribunal Courts
Overview
Tribunal Courts in India are quasi-judicial bodies established under specific laws to handle specialized disputes, reducing the burden on regular courts. Below are the main types of Tribunal Courts:
National Green Tribunal (NGT)
The National Green Tribunal adjudicates cases related to environmental protection and conservation.
- Purpose: Resolve disputes involving environmental laws, pollution, and conservation.
- Examples: Cases on deforestation, industrial pollution, and wildlife protection.
- Legal Basis: National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
The Central Administrative Tribunal handles disputes related to government employees' service matters.
- Purpose: Address grievances of central government employees regarding recruitment, promotions, and service conditions.
- Examples: Cases on transfers, pensions, and disciplinary actions.
- Legal Basis: Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985.
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)
The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal deals with appeals under direct tax laws.
- Purpose: Adjudicate disputes related to income tax assessments and appeals.
- Examples: Cases on tax evasion, assessment disputes, and exemptions.
- Legal Basis: Income Tax Act, 1961.
Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions
Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions address consumer complaints against defective goods or services.
- Purpose: Provide a forum for resolving consumer disputes quickly and economically.
- Examples: Cases on faulty products, unfair trade practices, and service deficiencies.
- Legal Basis: Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)
The Armed Forces Tribunal handles disputes related to military personnel and their service conditions.
- Purpose: Adjudicate service-related matters for armed forces personnel, including court-martial appeals.
- Examples: Cases on promotions, pensions, and disciplinary proceedings in the military.
- Legal Basis: Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007.
Tribunal Member (Judicial)
Overview
Senior judicial officers (retired High Court/District Judges) adjudicating disputes in tribunals like NGT, ITAT, CAT.
Key Responsibilities
- Adjudicate specialized disputes.
- Conduct hearings per tribunal rules.
- Issue orders/judgments.
- Ensure compliance with oversight.
- Coordinate with Technical Members.
Educational Pathway
- LLB (5-year integrated or 3-year post-bachelor’s).
- Optional: LLM.
- 10-15 years judicial/legal practice experience.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year LLB after bachelor’s.
- Clear law entrance exams.
- Gain 10-15 years experience, apply via government notifications.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level (MH-CET Law, AP LAWCET).
- Judicial: State Judicial Service exams.
- Appointment: Selection based on experience.
Top Institutions
Government:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Hyderabad
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), Kolkata
- National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Law School, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- ICFAI Law School, Hyderabad
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- LLM: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience: 10-15 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB).
Tribunal Member (Technical / Administrative)
Overview
Experts in fields like taxation, environment, or administration for tribunals like ITAT, NGT, CAT, typically retired bureaucrats/professionals.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical expertise.
- Assist in interpreting evidence.
- Draft orders with domain knowledge.
- Ensure compliance.
- Coordinate with Judicial Members.
Educational Pathway
- B.Com / B.Tech / BA (relevant field) or CA/CMA.
- Optional: M.Com / MBA / M.Tech.
- 10-15 years professional experience.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (relevant stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue bachelor’s or CA/CMA.
- Clear entrance exams.
- Gain 10-15 years experience, apply via government notifications.
Entrance Exam
- Bachelor’s: JEE Main (B.Tech), university exams (B.Com/BA), CA Foundation.
- Professional: CA/CMA Intermediate/Final.
- Appointment: Selection based on experience.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
- University of Delhi, Delhi
- Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
Private:
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Amity University, Noida
- Symbiosis International University, Pune
- Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal
Course Duration
- Bachelor’s: 3-4 years.
- CA/CMA: 3-5 years.
- Master’s: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience: 10-15 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹50,000-₹2 lakh (bachelor’s), ₹1-2 lakh (CA/CMA).
- Private: ₹2-10 lakh (bachelor’s), ₹1-3 lakh (CA/CMA).
Registrar (Tribunal)
Overview
Manages tribunal’s administrative / judicial operations, appointed via government recruitment / deputation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage case filings/scheduling.
- Ensure rule compliance.
- Supervise staff.
- Maintain records.
- Assist Tribunal Members.
Educational Pathway
- LLB/BBA/BA (administration) + 5-10 years experience.
- Optional: LLM/MBA.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year BBA/BA.
- Clear entrance exams.
- Gain 5-10 years experience, apply via government recruitment.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level.
- BBA/BA: CAT, XAT, university exams.
- Registrar: Selection based on experience.
Top Institutions
Government:
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- BBA/BA: 3 years.
- LLM/MBA: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience: 5-10 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB), ₹50,000-₹2 lakh (BBA/BA).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB), ₹3-10 lakh (BBA/MBA).
Court Managers
Overview
Streamlines tribunal operations, appointed via government recruitment.
Key Responsibilities
- Schedule cases.
- Implement e-filing systems.
- Coordinate staff.
- Prepare performance reports.
- Assist Tribunal Members.
Educational Pathway
- LLB/BBA/BA (administration) + 2-5 years experience.
- Optional: LLM/MBA.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue 5-year LLB or 3-year BBA/BA.
- Clear entrance exams.
- Apply via government/tribunal recruitment.
Entrance Exam
- LLB: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, state-level.
- BBA/BA: CAT, XAT, state-level.
- Court Manager: Government/tribunal exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad
- National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru
- Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi
- National Law University (NLU), Delhi
- Faculty of Law, University of Delhi
Private:
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
- Jindal Global Law School, Sonipat
- Amity Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Noida
- Christ University School of Law, Bengaluru
- Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar
Course Duration
- 5-year LLB or 6 years (3-year bachelor’s + 3-year LLB).
- BBA/BA: 3 years.
- LLM/MBA: 1-2 years (optional).
- Experience: 2-5 years.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹1-3 lakh (LLB), ₹50,000-₹2 lakh (BBA/BA).
- Private: ₹5-15 lakh (LLB), ₹3-10 lakh (BBA/MBA).
Court Clerks
Overview
Handles clerical tasks like record-keeping and filing in tribunals.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain case records.
- Perform data entry.
- Handle filing.
- Manage correspondence.
- Support operations.
Educational Pathway
- 12th or BA/B.Com + optional diploma in office management.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue bachelor’s (optional).
- Apply via SSC/tribunal exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC CGL/CHSL, tribunal-specific exams (typing tests).
Top Institutions
Government:
- University of Delhi, Delhi
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government Polytechnic Colleges
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
Private:
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
Course Duration
- Bachelor’s: 3 years.
- Diploma: 1 year (optional).
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹10,000-₹50,000 (bachelor’s), ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹50,000-₹3 lakh (bachelor’s), ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Stenographers
Overview
Records and transcribes tribunal proceedings.
Key Responsibilities
- Transcribe proceedings.
- Record hearings.
- Assist with documentation.
- Maintain records.
- Support clerks.
Educational Pathway
- 12th or BA/B.Com + diploma in stenography.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 12th (any stream, 50% marks).
- Pursue bachelor’s (optional).
- Enroll in stenography course.
- Apply via SSC/tribunal exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC Stenographer C&D, tribunal-specific exams (shorthand/typing tests).
Top Institutions
Government:
- University of Delhi, Delhi
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government Polytechnic Colleges
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai
Private:
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
Course Duration
- Bachelor’s: 3 years.
- Stenography diploma: 6 months-1 year.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹10,000-₹50,000 (bachelor’s), ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹50,000-₹3 lakh (bachelor’s), ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Bailiffs
Overview
Executes tribunal orders (e.g., summons, notices).
Key Responsibilities
- Serve summons/notices.
- Execute tribunal orders.
- Maintain order.
- Assist Tribunal Members.
- Report execution status.
Educational Pathway
- 10th/12th + optional diploma in court administration.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 10th/12th.
- Pursue diploma (optional).
- Apply via SSC/tribunal exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC MTS, tribunal-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government colleges offering BA/B.Com
- State government polytechnics
Private:
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- Diploma: 6 months-1 year.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Process Servers
Overview
Delivers tribunal documents (e.g., summons, notices).
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver documents.
- Ensure timely service.
- Report delivery status.
- Assist bailiffs.
- Comply with procedures.
Educational Pathway
- 10th/12th + optional diploma in court administration.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 10th/12th.
- Pursue diploma (optional).
- Apply via SSC/tribunal exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC MTS, tribunal-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government colleges offering BA/B.Com
- State government polytechnics
Private:
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- Diploma: 6 months-1 year.
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹5,000-₹20,000 (diploma).
- Private: ₹20,000-₹50,000 (diploma).
Peons and Support Staff
Overview
Performs basic operational tasks (e.g., cleaning, logistics) in tribunals.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain tribunal premises.
- Assist with logistics.
- Support staff.
- Manage supplies.
- Ensure hearing room readiness.
Educational Pathway
- 8th/10th + optional vocational training.
- No prior experience required.
Admission Process
- Complete 8th/10th.
- Pursue vocational training (optional).
- Apply via SSC/tribunal exams.
Entrance Exam
- SSC MTS, tribunal-specific exams.
Top Institutions
Government:
- Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- State government polytechnics
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
- Government schools
Private:
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Punjab
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Course Duration
- Vocational training: 3-6 months (optional).
Fee Structure
- Government: ₹2,000-₹10,000 (training).
- Private: ₹10,000-₹30,000 (training).