On 9th August, the Tribunal Reform Bill, 2021 was passed by Rajya Sabha. The Bill was approved by the Lok Sabha on August 3. The Bill seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the Customs Act, 1962, the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994, the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 and certain other legislations.
Key highlights:
- Provides uniform terms and service conditions such as minimum age, tenure, and retirement age for the Chairperson and Members of Tribunals/Authorities.
- Provides for the composition of the Selection Committee for Selection in State Administrative Tribunals
- Rationalises tribunals by abolishing five tribunals, transferring their Jurisdiction directly to the Commercial Court or High Court for speedy justice delivery.