New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 without debate amid strong protests by Opposition MPs over various issues. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, who introduced the legislation, said the proposed law seeks to strengthen the appointment process, independence and transparency of tribunals while maintaining their existing jurisdiction.
The Bill proposes the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission (NTC) as a central body to oversee the appointments, administration and functioning of tribunals across the country. The Commission will comprise a Chairperson, two Judicial Members and two Technical Members.
According to the proposed framework, the NTC will conduct the selection process for tribunal Chairpersons and Members, review their performance and supervise inquiries into complaints against them. It will also maintain a National Tribunals Data Grid containing case-related information, with the stated objective of improving transparency and administrative efficiency.
The legislation covers 16 tribunals and authorities, including the Central and State Administrative Tribunals, Securities Appellate Tribunal, Debts Recovery Tribunal, Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, Armed Forces Tribunal, National Green Tribunal, National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and Income-tax Appellate Tribunal.
A key provision of the Bill is the proposed repeal of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, which was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2025. The new legislation also seeks to amend the parent laws governing the tribunals covered under its ambit. Saving provisions have been included to protect existing appointments and selection processes initiated under the 2021 legislation before the NTC becomes operational.
The Bill estimates a recurring expenditure of Rs 24.79 crore and a non-recurring expenditure of Rs 2.35 crore, taking the total estimated expenditure to Rs 27.14 crore. Recurring expenditure is projected to rise by 10 per cent in each of the second and third years over the preceding year.
The Bill’s Statement of Objects and Reasons refers to the Supreme Court’s judgment in Madras Bar Association v. Union of India, which struck down provisions of the 2021 Act on grounds including separation of powers and judicial independence. The government has stated that the proposed National Tribunals Commission is being established in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court.
