One-liner: The SC on Friday took serious note of huge vacancies in the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and said the entire tribunal has collapsed.
Affidavit: The Centre in its affidavit has said that benches that have vacancies are functioning via physical/hybrid mode by joining members from other benches.
Fill vacancies: It said this arrangement is being made till the next date of listing of the matter by which date it is being anticipated the vacancies are filled.
Counter-affidavit: The counter-affidavit demonstrates most CAT benches have substantial vacancies and the constitution of regular benches for hearing petitions would be a difficult exercise.
Non-functional: On May 6, the top court had taken serious note of the fact that six circuit benches of the CAT have become virtually non-functional due to the retirement of judicial members.
Bottom line: It added that if the said situation continues for a couple of more months, more benches of CAT will become non-functional.
Source: PTI