Behind the new Tribunals Bill, a decade-long tussle between government and Supreme Court

The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 has been recently passed by Parliament, bringing significant changes to the administration of tribunals nationwide. Tribunals are specialized quasi-judicial bodies designed to expedite dispute resolution and alleviate court caseloads. Key provisions include the creation of a National Tribunals Commission, a fixed five-year tenure for members, and stringent appointment requirements.

The Bill aims to address the Supreme Court's longstanding concerns over tribunal governance, particularly regarding tenure and executive discretion in appointments. However, the government maintains certain powers, including control over the commission, its funding, rules, and service conditions. Despite these limitations, the legislation represents a substantial shift from previous administrations, aligning with Supreme Court directives to enhance tribunal efficiency, independence, transparency, and uniformity.