Supreme Court urges Centre to extend tribunal members' terms

The Supreme Court of India has urged the Central Government to consider extending the tenures of retiring presiding officers and members of various tribunals on an ad hoc basis. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that quasi-judicial bodies must not become defunct due to vacancies.

While Attorney General R Venkataramani stated that the process for fresh appointments is already underway under the newly enacted Tribunal Reforms Act 2026, the Court requested a definite assurance that posts will be filled promptly. The Chief Justice suggested that ad hoc arrangements could serve as a stop-gap measure for approximately one month to ensure continuity of function until new appointments are finalized.