The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026: A New Chapter in Tribunal Governance

On August 10, 2026, the Lok Sabha introduced and passed The Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, marking a significant shift in how India structures its tribunal system. The Bill seeks to repeal the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, and replace it with a framework that aligns more closely with judicial independence. 

The 2021 Act had governed appointments and service conditions for tribunal members. However, several of its provisions were struck down by the Supreme Court for violating the principle of separation of powers in Madras Bar Association v. Union of India, (2026) 2 SCC 1. Executive overreach into judicial appointments had repeatedly drawn constitutional scrutiny. Therefore, the 2026 Bill attempts to codify appointment mechanisms in consonance with judicial directions rather than executive discretion.

The centrepiece of this Bill is the creation of the National Tribunals Commission (NTC). This body will conduct selection processes for tribunal vacancies, review tribunal performance, and oversee complaints against chairpersons or members. Additionally, it will maintain the National Tribunals Data Grid, bringing much-needed transparency to the functioning of tribunals across India.

It comprises a chairperson who has served as a Supreme Court judge or High Court Chief Justice, two judicial members, and two technical members with at least 25 years of relevant experience. Moreover, appointments of the chairperson and judicial members require consultation with the Chief Justice of India, a safeguard clearly rooted in prior Supreme Court rulings.

Rather than leaving appointments entirely to the executive, the Bill establishes a search-cum-selection committee for each vacancy. This committee is headed by either the Commission chairperson or a judicial member, depending on the post being filled. It also includes a retired judge, a technical member, a government secretary, and non-voting expert members.

Furthermore, the committee must recommend one name along with a waitlisted candidate for every vacancy. The central government is then bound to make the appointment within three months. This timeline addresses a long-standing grievance regarding delayed tribunal appointments across the country.

Tribunal chairpersons will hold office for five years or until age 70, whichever comes first, while members will serve until age 67. Re-appointment is possible, subject to a review of past performance. Consequently, this creates a more structured accountability mechanism than the earlier regime.

Removal provisions are notably detailed. Grounds include insolvency, conviction involving moral turpitude, incapacity, or abuse of position. Tribunal members face additional grounds, such as incompetence or engaging in unauthorised paid assignments outside their office.