Articles 323A and 323B
In one line: Articles 323A and 323B make up Part XIVA of the Constitution, titled Tribunals, inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
Where they come from
The Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976 was passed during the Emergency. Among many changes, it inserted a new Part XIVA on tribunals, made up of Articles 323A and 323B. Most of the amendment came into force on 3 January 1977.
Tribunals in practice
The Central Administrative Tribunal was set up in 1985 to decide service matters of government employees, and now has 19 benches. Other tribunals include the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, the National Green Tribunal and the Armed Forces Tribunal (set up under a 2007 Act).
Why it is in the news
The National Tribunals Commission will handle selection for tribunals set up under these and other laws.
Where to go next
- L. Chandra Kumar v Union of India
- Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021
Articles 323A and 323B in the news
- SC says ministry has 'hijacked' NCLT staffing, wants hiring power with tribunal President 30 October 2026
The constitutional basis of tribunals.
- Centre issues rules creating a National Tribunals Commission to select tribunal members 3 October 2026
The constitutional base for tribunals
Previous-year questions on this
- 2024 · GS2 · 10 marks Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?
- 2023 · GS2 · 10 marks "Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy". Comment.
- 2018 · GS2 · 15 marks How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.
- 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marks To achieve the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in the recent past.