Lok Sabha Question No. 2186 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-07-29
Subject: Strenthening of Quasi-Judicial Bodies
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: Parvesh Sahib Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

## DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

## LokSabha

## Unstarred Question No. 2186

TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 29.07.2022

## Strengthening of Quasi-Judicial Bodies

2186. SHRI PARVESH SAHIB SINGH VERMA:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether  the  Government  is  aware  of  issues  like  high  pendency pertaining to quasi judicial bodies/ tribunals/regulatory bodies in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  for  increasing  transparency, efficiency and impartiality of quasi-judicial bodies in the country in
- the recent times; and
- (c) whether, the Government  is  taking  any steps to strengthen infrastructure, digitization and human resources in quasi-judicial bodies in the country and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a), (b) &(c) : Information has been compiled and is placed as Annexure-I.

|                                                                                                                                                                              | Ministry of Railways                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           | M/o Environment, Forest and Climate Change                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                | Department of Defence                                                                                                                                                        | M/o Labour and Employment                                                       | ITAT, Ministry of Law & Justice                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
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| Whether the Government is aware of issues like high pendency pertaining to quasi judicial bodies/ tribunals/regulatory bodies in the country and if so, the details thereof; | As on 30.06.2022 24,133 cases were pending in Railway Claims Tribunal.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         | (a) to (c) It is stated that the disposal rate of cases in NGT is higher than the filing rate. The NGT has delivered a number of significant judgments on range of issues from across the country such as Environment Clearance, Forest Clearance, Pollution (Air & Water), Coastal Regulation Zone and Waste Management. | Total pending cases at AFTs including OAs & TAs is 22786.                                                                                                                    | Cases pending before CGITs-cum- LCs under ID Act, 1947 in June, 2022 are 15836. | As on 1.7.2022, the pendency of appeals in ITAT is 47940 .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| the steps taken by the Government for increasing transparency, efficiency and impartiality of quasi-judicial bodies in the country in the recent times; and                  | The steps taken by the Government for increasing transparency, efficiency and impartiality of Railway Claims Tribunal are as under:- 1. Installation of CCTV Cameras at all the Benches of RCT - In order to ensure transparency in judicial proceedings and avoid any untoward incident in the Court, CCTV cameras with audio | (a) to (c) It is stated that the disposal rate of cases in NGT is higher than the filing rate. The NGT has delivered a number of significant judgments on range of issues from across the country such as Environment Clearance, Forest Clearance, Pollution (Air & Water), Coastal Regulation Zone and Waste Management. | (b) & (c) : Besides Physical hearing, the matters are also taken up through virtual hearing matters of Regional Benches where there is shortage of members are also taken up |                                                                                 | The Government through various initiatives in infrastructure, digitization and human resources has endeavoured to enhance transparency, efficiency & impartiality in ITAT. I. INFRASTRUCTURE(THE PREMISES OF BENCHES OF ITAT) 1.1 The ITAT is functioning from its own building in Jaipur, Bangalore and Cuttack. 1.2 Piece of land has been purchased by the ITAT in Pune, Lucknow, Guwahati, Kolkata and Ahmedabad for construction |

|                      | recording facility have been installed in 19 out of 20 Benches of RCT. The work of installation of CCTV camera is under process in Ernakulam Bench. 2. Disbursement of cash component of decreetal amount to claimants through electronic transfer - In order to safeguard the financial interest of poor and illiterate litigants and ensure they directly receive the decreetal amount in their bank accounts, cheque payment has been dispensed with and all cash payments are made through RTGS/NEFT etc. 3.Circulars are issued from time to time to ensure uniformity and clarity in procedure for registration of cases and release of decreetal amount deposited in the Suitor's Account in all the Benches of RCT. 4. The court cases of RCT's have also been linked with Legal Information Management & Briefing System (LIMBS).   | and disposed off by adopting virtual mode. During Covid-19 pandemic three courts at AFT (PB) were also functional through video conferencing.   | whether, Government taking any steps   |
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| the is to strengthen | 1. The work of 'Computerization and Digitization of RCT benches' with                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                                                 | whether, Government taking any steps   |

| digitization and human resources in quasi-judicial bodies in the country and if so, the details thereof?   | infrastructure,   |
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| in 2019. The DPC for the post of Deputy Registrar will be convened as and when the requisite officers are eligible for the post of Deputy Registrar. The UPSC has advised to amend the Recruitment Rules for direct appointment to the post of Assistant Registrar, which is under consideration.   |
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| virtual webinars organized by the Principal Bench in lieu of the physical judicial training module.   |
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