Non-constitutional Bodies Flashcards
Introduction
Anybody body created either through a law passed by legislature or through executive resolution
Both bodies can be made by centre and state:
Statutory body is enacted by statute. For example, lokpal (centre) and lokayukt (state). Law call regulation. For example, National green tribunal, which gives direction.
Executive body: by executive resolution, for example, planning Commission (now niti aayog) not kept in the constitution to change any moment in need.
Niti aayog
National institution for transforming India
Not a constitutional body, as it is statutory
Think tank of government provides both direction and policy inputs
Aim to achieve:
Sustainable development goals,
Enhance co-operative federalism (by fostering the involvement of State Governments in economic policy making process using a bottom up approach rather than the top down model.)
One size fits all approach to economic planning is obsolete and cannot make India competitive in today’s global economy
Foundation:
Empowered role of state as equal partners in national development
Knowledge hub of internal as well as external resources
Monitoring process
Plugging gaps
Bringing together various ministries
Composition:
Chairperson: PM
Governing Council: CM’s of all states and union territories, administrators of other union territories
Regional councils to address specific issues like, contingencies impacting more than one state, these are formed for a specific tenure and chaired by chairperson of niti aayog or his nominee
Special invitees: experts, specialists, practitioners with relevant domain knowledge nominated by PM
Organisational framework:
PM: Chairperson
Vice chairperson appointed by PM (Rank of cabinet minister)
Members: full time (enjoy the rank of minister of state) and part time (2 in number)
Exofficio members: maximum 4 Council of ministers to be nominated by PM
Chief executive officer: appointed by PM, tenure fixed
Secretariat: as deemed necessary
Specialised wings: research, consultancy and team India wing
Objectives:
Fostering cooperative federalism with active involvement of States
Formulation of plans at village level aggregation at higher levels
Special attention to section at risk of not benefiting adequately from economic progress
Economic policy that incorporates national security interests
Feedback for constant innovative improvements
Partnerships with National and international think tanks
Creating knowledge innovation entrepreneurial support system
Platform for resolution for intersectoral and inter departmental issues
State of art resources centre for research on good governance
Focus on technology upgradation and capacity building
CBI
Set up in 1963 by the resolution of the ministry of home affairs and transferred to the ministry of personnel
Recommended by the Santhanam committee on prevention of corruption (1962 to 1964)
It is not a statutory body
Derives power from Delhi special police establishment Act of 1946
Motto: industry, impartiality and integrity
Mission:
To uphold the constitution of India, the law of land through deep investigation and successful prosecution of offences, provide direction to the police forces and act as a nodal agency for enhancing interstate and international cooperation in law enforcement
Organisation:
Anti corruption division
Economic offences division
Policy and International police corporation division
Organisation
Special crimes division
Administrative division
Directorate of prosecution
Central forensic science laboratory
Composition:
Head: director
He is assisted by a special director or an additional director
Additionally, it has a number of joint directors, deputy inspector generals, superintendents of police and all other usual ranks of police personnel
In total it has about 5000 staff members, 125 forensic scientist and 250 officers
The director of CBI is the inspector general of police (under the Delhi special police establishment, responsible for the administration of the organisation)
The director of CBI has been provided security of 2 years tenure in office by the CVC act of 2003
Amendment:
Lokpal and lokayukta act of 2013 amended the Delhi special police establishment Act of 1946
Changes:
The appointment of the director of CBI on recommendation of a three member committee (PM as chairperson, leader of opposition, CJI or a supreme Court judge nominated by him)
There shall be directorate of prosecution headed by director for conducting prosecution of cases under the Lokpal and lokayukta act of 2013. The director of prosecution shall be an officer not below the rank of joint secretary of Government of India. He shall function under the overall supervision and control of the director of CBI
The central government shall appoint officers of the rank of superintendent of police and above in the CBI on recommendation of a committee (consisting of CVC as chairperson, vigilance commissioners, secretary of home ministry, secretary of department of personnel)
Amendment:
Where there is no recognisable leader of opposition of lok sabha, leader of single largest opposition party in lok sabha.
Prior approval of Central Government before conducting any enquiry or investigation into an offence committed by officers of rank joint secretary and above in the central government and its authorities (held invalid in 2014 by supreme Court)
Under prevention of corruption Act, constitutional bench held that the section 6 A of Delhi special police establishment Act which granted protection to join secretary and above officers from facing even a preliminary inquiry by the CBI in corrupt cases was violating of Article 14
The Bench said that, Section 6A of DSPE Act granting protection to one act of officers is directly destructive. It runs counter to the object and reason of PC Act of 1988
CBI vs State Police:
Special Police establishment is a division of CBI. Supplementary to that of state police forces
Avoids duplication and overlap of cases between 2 agencies
Special police establishment takes up cases concerned with Central govt affairs or employees even if they also involve certain state govt employees. For example: PSUs, statutory bodies established and financed by the central government.
Functions of CBI
Investigating cases of corruption, bribery and misconduct of central Government employees
Breach of laws concerning export and import control, customs and Central excise and income tax
Serious crimes having National and international ramifications committed by organised gangs of professional criminals
Coordinating activities: anti corruption agencies and various state police forces
Request of state government in any case of public importance for investigation
Maintaining crime statistics and disseminating criminal information
It takes up investigation of conventional crimes like murder, kidnapping and rape on reference from the State government or when directed by supreme Court or High Court
CBI acts as nodal agency for International police (it is the International criminal police organisation in India)
National integration Council
National integration Council was established in 1961
Government advisory body
Is comprise of a group of senior politicians and public figures in India
Its purpose is to address the problems of communalism, casteism and regionalism
Official language is Hindi
Chairman: PM
Members: Central Home minister, chief minister of states, 7 leaders of political parties, chairman of UGC, 2 educationists, commissioner for SCs and STs, 7 other nominated by PM + representatives of industry, business and trade unions
In 1968, the central government revived the National integration Council
Its size was increased from 39 to 55 members
The NIC has 147 members now
It set up three committees to report on regionalism, communalism and linguism
Today’s situation:
The problem of communal harmony is still there. Unrest in the NE region and a need for new educational system
Note:
Eliminate discrimination especially against minorities and scheduled tribes
It appealed to the political parties, organisations and press to mobilize constructive forces of the society to bring National unity and solidarity
First meeting: 2 & 3 June, 1962
16th Meeting: 23rd September, 2013
National foundation for communal harmony
Established in 1992
Under the administrative control of union home ministry
It Pramod communal harmony, fraternity and national integration
Vision:
To make India free from communal violence and all other kinds of violence, so that all the citizens especially children and youth live together in peace and harmony
Mission:
Promoting communal harmony
Strengthening national integration
Fostering unity in diversity via collaborative social action
Awareness programs
Reaching out of the victims of violence especially children
Encouraging interface dialogue for India shared security, peace and prosperity
Activities undertaken by NFCH:
To provide financial assistance to child victims of societal violence for their care, education and training aimed at their effective rehabilitation
To promote communal harmony and national integration by organising a variety of activities either independently or in association with educational institutions, NGOs, or other organisations
To conduct studies, grand scholarships to institutions and scholars for conducting studies
To confer awards for outstanding contribution to communal harmony and national integration
To involve the central government, state government, UT administrations, industries, commercial organisations, NGOs, and others in promoting the objectives of the foundation
To provide information services and publish monographs, books etc on the subjects
Central information commission
Established by the central government in 2005
Under the provisions of the RTI Act of 2005
Hence, it is not a constitutional body
Composition:
Chief information commission
10 information commissioners
Appointed by president on the recommendations of committee consisting of the PM (chairman), leader of opposition in lok sabha, union cabinet minister nominated by PM
They should be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social Service, management, journalism, mass media, administration and governance
They should not be an MP or MLA
They should not hold any other office of profit, or be connected with any political party, carry on any business or pursue any profession
Tenure:
Chief information commissioner and information commissioner holds office for 5 years or 65 years which ever is earlier
They are not eligible for reappointment
The president can remove them if he is adjudged an insolvent, convicted of an offence which involves some moral turpitude, has paid employment outside the duties of his office or if he is unfit to continue in office due to infinity of mind and body, if he has acquired such financial or other interest as his likely to affect prejudicially his official functions, such as proven misbehaviour or incapacity
The president has to refer matter to the supreme court an enquiry. If the supreme court, after an enquiry, upholds the cause of removal and advises so, then the president can remove them.
Powers and functions:
Duty of the commission to receive and enquire into a complaint from any person
The commission can order enquiry into any matter if there is reasonable ground (suo moto powers)
Commission has powers of a civil Court
All public records must be given to the commission during enquiry for examination
Submits an annual report to the central government on implementation of this act
Central government places this report before each house of the Parliament
Salary allowances:
CIC is similar to the chief election commissioner
Information commissioner are similar to those of an election commissioner
But they cannot be varied to his disadvantages during service
State information commission
Establishd by the central government in 2005 under the provisions of The right to information Act of 2005
Hence, it is not a constitutional body
It is a high powered independent body
It entertains complaints & appeals pertaining to offices related to the financial institutions, PSUs concerning the state governments
It consists of the Chief information commissioner
10 information commissioners, but that varies state to state
Appointed by governor on recommendations of committee consisting of CM (chairman), leader of opposition in legislative assembly, state cabinet minister nominated by CM
They should be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social Service, management, journalism, mass media, administration and governance
They should not be an MP or MLA
They should not hold any other office of profit, or be connected with any political party, carry on any business or pursue any profession
Tenure:
Chief information commissioner and information commissioner holds office for 5 years or 65 years which ever is earlier
They are not eligible for reappointment
State information commissioner is eligible for appointment as state chief information, but can’t hold office for more than 5 years including his term as the SIC
The governor can remove them if he is adjudged an insolvent, convicted of an offence which involves some moral turpitude, has paid employment outside the duties of his office or if he is unfit to continue in office due to infinity of mind and body, if he has acquired such financial or other interest as his likely to affect prejudicially his official functions, such as proven misbehaviour or incapacity
The governor has to refer matter to the supreme court an enquiry. If the supreme court, after an enquiry, upholds the cause of removal and advises so, then the president can remove them.
Powers and functions:
Duty of the commission to receive and enquire into a complaint from any person
The commission can order enquiry into any matter if there is reasonable ground (suo moto powers)
Commission has powers of a civil Court
All public records must be given to the commission during enquiry for examination
Submits an annual report to the state government on implementation of this act
State government government places this report before state legislature
Salary allowances:
SIC is similar to the election commissioner
State Information commissioner are similar to those of a chief secretary of State Government
But they cannot be varied to his disadvantages during service
Central vigilance Commission
Main agency for preventing corruption in central government
Established in 1964 by executive resolution recommended by Santhanam committee on prevention of corruption (1962-64)
Originally CVC was neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body
Later in 2003, parliament enacted a law conferring statutory status on CVC
PIDPI-Public interest disclosure and protection of informers aka whistle blowers resolution
Composition:
CVC Chairperson
Not more than 2 vigilance commissioners
1st CVC - Nittoor Srinivasa Rau
CVC Commissioner - Suresh N. Patel
Vigilance commissioners:
Shri P.K. Srivastava
Sri Arvinda Kumar
Appointment:
Appointed by President
Recommendation of 3 member committee consisting of PM as Head, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
Tenure:
4 years or 65 years age max
Not eligible for further employment under the central/state government
Note:
CVC has its own secretariat
Chief technical examiners wing (CTE)
Commissioners for Departmental Inquiries (CDIs)
Jurisdiction:
Members of All India Services are officers of Rank of Scale V and above in the Public sector banks
Officers in grade D & above in: RBI, NABARD, SIDBI
Chief Executives of the Board and other officers above in Schedule A&B and PSUs
Managers and above in general insurance companies
Senior divisional managers and above in Life insurance corporation
Local authorities owned or controlled by the central government
Service conditions:
President can remove and officer if is adjudged an insolvent, convicted of an offence which involves moral turpitude, paid employment outside the duties of his office, if he is unfit to continue in office due to infirmity of mind & body, service conditions, if he has acquired financial or other interests which is likely to affect his official functions prejudicially or proven misbehaviour or incapacity
President can refer the matter to SC for an inquiry and if the SC after inquiry upholds the cause of removal and advices do then the president can remove him.
Salary, allowances and other conditions:
Chairman of UPSC (reason: Vigilance= member of UPSC)
Working:
HQ: Delhi
All the powers of civil Court and its proceedings have judicial character
Central Government or its authorities shall considered the advice of CVC and take appropriate action
If it does not agree with the advice of CVC, it shall communicate the reasons in written to CVC
It is to present an annual report to the president on its performance
The president places this report before each house of parliament
All the ministries or departments in the union government have a Central vigilance officer (who heads the vigilance division of organisation and acts as a link between his organisation, CVC and the CBI).
Functions of CVC:
Collecting intelligence about corrupt practices of the employees office organisation
Investigation of verifiable allegations reported the him
Processing investigation reports for further consideration of the disciplinary authority considered
Referring matters to the CVC for advice whenever necessary
If a public servant does corruption, it comes under prevention of corruption Act 1988
Both officers in all India services (union and group A) level of officers of authorities work under central government
Directions to Delhi special police establishment under CBI relate to investigation of offences under prevention of corruption Act of 1988
Review progress of investigations conducted by Delhi special police establishment
Central Government required for making rules and regulations to consult CVC, Central services and all India services
Lokpal and lokayuktas act of 2013 amended both the CVC act of 2003 and the Delhi special police establishment Act of 1946
The amendments were:
Members of selection committee (CVC = chairperson, 2 vigilance members, secretary of ministry of home affairs, deputy personnel and training are the members of selection committees)
On the recommendations of above the government appoints officer to the post of SP and above in CBI, except the director of CBI
Empowered to conduct preliminary enquiry into complaints referred by Lokpal in respect of officers and officials in group A, B, C, D
Lokpal and lokayukts
Democratic states are characterized by their welfare orientation
Citizen grievances against administration are rampant
In India, it is the existing legal and institutional framework to check corruption and redress citizens
Administrative reforms Commission (ARC of India, 1966-70) recommended setting up of two special authorities designated as Lokpal and local yukta for the redressal of citizens grievances.
According to ARC, the Lokpal would be appointed by the president after consultation with the Chief justice of India, the speaker of lok sabha and chairman of rajya sabha
1st bill introduced in May 1968 by the Congress government headed by Indira Gandhi.
Last bill introduced in December 2011 by the UPA government headed by Manmohan Singh.
Note:
1st 4 bills Lapsed due to dissolution in lok sabha
5th was withdrawn by the government
6th and 7th bills were also lapsed due to dissolution of the 11th and 12th lok sabha
8th bill (2001) lapsed due to dissolution of 13th lok sabha in 2004
9th bill (2011) was withdrawn by the government
Features:
Lokpal at the level of centre
Lokayuktas at the level of state
Jurisdiction of Lokpal includes, PM, MPs, Group A, B, C, D officers of a central government
Lokpal to consist of a chairman with a maximum of 8 members (50% of them being judicial members)
50% of the members of the Lokpal shall come from: SCs, STs, OBCs, Minorities, Women
Drawbacks:
Lokpal cannot sup moto proceed against any public servant
Emphasis on form of complaint rather than substance
Heavy punishment for false and frivolous complaint against public servants may deter complaints from being filed
Anonymous complaints not allowed
Legal assistant to public servants against whom complaint is filed
Limitation period of 7 years to file complaints
Very non transparent procedure for dealing with complaints against the PM
Lokayuktas:
Many states had already set up institution of lokayuktas
First in Maharashtra (1971)
In Orissa it came to force in 1983
Till 2013, 21 states and Delhi had established institution of lokayuktas
The structure of lokayukta and upa lokayukta appointed by governor of the state
While appointing the governor of the state consults Chief justice of High Court and the leader of opposition in state legislative assembly
Lokayuktas present a state report to the governor annually
Governor places this report along with an explanatory memorandum before the state legislature
National human rights Commission
Statutory body, not a constitutional body
Established in 1993 under the legislation protection of human rights act 1993
Amended in 2006
Watchdog of human rights in India
Rights relating to life, Liberty, equality and dignity of individual guaranteed by the constitution
Objectives:
Strengthening institutional arrangement via the human rights issue could be addressed in their entirety in a more focused manner
Underline the government’s commitment to protecting human rights
To compliment and strengthen efforts that have already been made in this direction
Composition:
Multi member body
Chairman should be a retired supreme Court judge
Four members should be serving a retired judges of supreme court or CJ of High Court + two persons having knowledge or practical experience in regards to human rights
In addition four ex-officio members: chairman of national commission for minorities, National Commission for SCs, STs and Women
Appointment:
Chairman and members are appointed by the president on recommendations of a 6 member committee headed by the PM with the speaker of lok sabha and the deputy chairman of rajya sabha, leaders of opposition in both houses of parliament, Central Home minister and a sitting judge of supreme Court or CJ of High Court can be appointed after consultation with the Chief justice of India
Tenure:
Chairman and members can hold office for a term of 3 years or till the age of 70
Chairman and members are not eligible for further employment under the central and state government
President can remove both chairman and any member if he is adjudged an insolvent, engaged in any paid employment, unfit to continue in office by any reason of infirmity of mind and body, unsound mind and stand so declared by a competent court, convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence on account of misbehaviour and incapacity
The president has to refer the matter to the supreme court for an enquiry. After the supreme court enquiry, the president can remove the chairman and member.
The salaries, allowances and other conditions of service are determined by the central government.
But they cannot be varied to his advantage after appointment
All the above provisions are aimed at securing autonomy, independence and impartiality in the functioning of the commission.
Functions:
Enquiry into any violation of human rights and negligence in the prevention of such violence by a public servant (either suo moto on a petition presented to it or an order of a court)
To intervene in any proceedings involving allegations of violation of human rights pending before a court
To visit jails and detention places to study the living conditions
To review the constitution and other legal safeguards
To study treaties and other international instruments of human rights
To undertake and promote research in the field of human rights
To spread human rights literacy among the people and promote awareness of safeguards
To encourage the efforts of NGOs in working in the field of human rights
Working:
Power of civil Court and its proceedings have a judicial character
May call for information or report from the centre and state
Own nucleus of investigating staff for investigation into complaints of human rights violations
Empowered to utilise services of any officer or investigation agency of the centre or state
Established affective cooperation with NGOs with first hand information about human rights violations
Commission is not empowered to enquire into any matter after the expiration of 1 year
Commission may take any of the following steps during or upon the completion of an enquiry:
Recommend it to the concerned government or authority
Make payment of compensation or damages to the victim
Initiation of procedures for prosecution or any other action against guilty public servant
Grant of immediate interim relief to the victim
May approach supreme Court or High Court concern for the necessary directions, orders and writs
Criticism:
Functions of commission are recommendatory in nature and not binding
No power to punish
No power to award any relief including monitory relief to the victim
But it should be informed about action taken on his recommendations within one month
Improper to say that commission is powerless
Limited role, power and jurisdiction with regards to violation of human rights by members of armed forces
Commission may seek a report from the central government and make its recommendations
Central govt should inform the action taken on recommendations within 3 months
Commission submits its annual reports to centre & state concerned
Reports laid before respective legislatures along with action taken in recommendations
Reasons for non-acceptance of any of recommendations
Human rights issues:
Abolition of bonded labour
Issues concerning to the right to food
Review of the child marriage restraint act of 1929
Protocols to the convention on the right to child
Abolition of child labour
Guide book for the media on sexual violence against children
Harassment of women passengers in trains
Abolition of manual scavenging
Dalit issues including atrocities perpetrated on them
Rights of the disabled persons
Issues related to right to health
State Human Right Commission
Protection of human rights act of 1993 provides creation of the NHRC and SHRC
The SHRC can enquire into the subjects mentioned in the state list and concurrent list (7th schedule)
However if any such case is already being enquired into by NHRC or any other statutory Commission then the SHRC does not inquire into that case
It is a statutory body and not a constitutional body
Established in 1993 under the legislation protection of human rights act 1993
And amended in 2005
Watchdog of human rights in a States
Composition:
Multi member body
Members: chairman should be a Chief justice of High Court
Other members should be, serving a retired judges of High Court, having served a minimum of 7 years experience as a district judge, with knowledge or practice experience in regards to human rights
Appointment:
Both chairman and members are appointed by the governor on the recommendations of a 6 member committee headed by the Chief minister, speaker of legislative assembly, state Home minister, leader of opposition in legislative assembly.
In case of state having legislative Council, chairman of the Council and leader of the opposition in the Council
Further, a sitting judge of high court or any sitting district judge can be appointed only after the consultation with the Chief justice of High Court of the concerned state
Tenure:
3 years or until age 70
Chairman and members are not eligible for further employment under the central and state government
Removal:
Only by the president not governor
Circumstances:
President can remove both chairman and any member if he is adjudged an insolvent, engaged in any paid employment, unfit to continue in office by any reason of infirmity of mind and body, unsound mind and stand so declared by a competent court, convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for an offence on account of misbehaviour and incapacity
The president has to refer the matter to the supreme court for an enquiry. After the supreme court enquiry, the president can remove the chairman and member.
The salaries, allowances and other conditions of service are determined by the state government.
But they cannot be varied to his advantage after appointment
All the above provisions are aimed at securing autonomy, independence and impartiality in the functioning of the commission.
Functions:
Enquiry into any violation of human rights and negligence in the prevention of such violence by a public servant (either suo moto on a petition presented to it or an order of a court)
To intervene in any proceedings involving allegations of violation of human rights pending before a court
To visit jails and detention places to study the living conditions
To review the constitution and other legal safeguards
To study treaties and other international instruments of human rights
To undertake and promote research in the field of human rights
To spread human rights literacy among the people and promote awareness of safeguards
To encourage the efforts of NGOs in working in the field of human rights
Working:
Power of civil Court and its proceedings have a judicial character
May call for information or report from the centre and state
Own nucleus of investigating staff for investigation into complaints of human rights violations
Empowered to utilise services of any officer or investigation agency of the state
Established affective cooperation with NGOs with first hand information about human rights violations
Commission is not empowered to enquire into any matter after the expiration of 1 year
Commission may take any of the following steps during or upon the completion of an enquiry:
Recommend it to the concerned government or authority
Make payment of compensation or damages to the victim
Initiation of procedures for prosecution or any other action against guilty public servant
Grant of immediate interim relief to the victim
May approach supreme Court or High Court concern for the necessary directions, orders and writs
Criticism:
Functions of commission are recommendatory in nature and not binding
No power to punish
No power to award any relief including monitory relief to the victim
But it should be informed about action taken on his recommendations within one month
Improper to say that commission is powerless
Limited role, power and jurisdiction with regards to violation of human rights by members of armed forces
Commission may seek a report from the central government and make its recommendations
Central govt should inform the action taken on recommendations within 3 months
Commission submits its annual reports to centre & state concerned
Reports laid before respective legislatures along with action taken in recommendations
Reasons for non-acceptance of any of recommendations
Human rights courts:
Provisions under Protection of human rights act of 1993:
For the establishment of human rights court in every district for the speedy trial of the violation of human rights
These courts can be set up by the state government only with the concurrence of the chief justice of the high court of that state
For every human rights Court, state government specifies a public prosecutor or appoints an advocate who has practiced for 7 years as a special Public prosecutor
Protection of human rights amendment Act of 2006:
Main amendment carried out in the protection of human rights act of 2006
Reducing the members of State human rights Commission from 5 to 3
Changing the eligibility condition for the members of SHRC
Strengthening the investigative machinery in recording evidence of witnesses
Empowering the commission to recommend award of compensation even during the course of enquiry
Empowering the State human rights Commission to visit jails even without intimation to state government
Clarifying that the chairpersons of NHRC and SHRC are distinct from the members of the respective Commission
Enabling the NHRC to transfer complaints received by it to the concerned SHRC
Providing that the chairperson of the National Commission of SCs and STs shall be deemed to be members of the NHRC
Enabling the central government to notify International treaty and conventions to which the act would be applicable
National green tribunal
Court of environment
National green tribunal act of 2010
It is a statutory body
Creation of special tribunal to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues
It draws inspiration from the India’s constitutional provision of article 21, which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment
The polluted pays under the principle of sustainable development i.e. those whole pollute will have to pay
18 October 2010, justice lokeshwar Singh pant was the first chairman
Giving the Rio de Janeiro summit of United Nations conference of environment and development in June 1992, India vowed the participating States to provide judicial and administrative remedies for the victims of pollutants and other environmental damage
Tribunal:
Not bound by the code of civil procedure 1908
But shall be guided by the principles of natural justice
NGT headquarter is in Delhi, other benches are in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, Allahabad and Chennai
Members:
The sanctioned strength of the tribunal is currently 10 experts and 10 judicial members
Every bench of the tribunal must consists of at least one expert and one judicial member
The chairman of the tribunal is required to be a serving or retired chief justice of a High Court or a judge of the supreme court
Members are chosen by a selection committee, headed by a sitting judge of the supreme court that reviews that application and conducts interviews
Other members are environmentalist, biologist, hydrologist, scientist, technocrat or anyone from the field of environment
Chairperson: judicial members and expert members of the tribunal shall be appointed by the central government
Tribunal is competent to hear cases for acts like:
Forest (Conservation) Act,
Biological diversity act,
Environment (protection) act
Water and air (prevention and protection) act
Jurisdiction has to take decision within 30 days of the tribunal
