New Delhi, November 6: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed sharp displeasure over the Centre’s last-minute request to defer the final hearing on pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Act, 2021.
A bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai criticised the government for seeking to refer the case to a five-judge Constitution Bench at the final stage of hearings. The CJI remarked that the court “did not expect such tactics” from the Union government, terming the move “very unfair.”
The bench was particularly irked after Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati sought adjournment on behalf of Attorney General R. Venkataramani, who cited international arbitration commitments. The CJI noted that the court had already accommodated multiple requests for delay and questioned why other law officers could not argue in the AG’s absence.
“If he does not come, we will close the matter,” the CJI warned, adding that the bench had cleared its schedule to conclude hearings this week.
The Madras Bar Association and others have challenged the 2021 Act, which abolished several appellate tribunals and altered terms of appointment and tenure for tribunal members. Petitioners argue that the Act replicates provisions earlier struck down by the Supreme Court for undermining judicial independence.
The bench will now hear the petitioner’s counsel, senior advocate Arvind Datar, on Friday and accommodate the AG’s submissions on Monday. (Agencies)
