NEWS: Lok Sabha passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, replacing the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, to make tribunal appointments more uniform, transparent and independent.

National Tribunals Commission (NTC)

• Apex body for tribunal appointments, performance review and disciplinary matters.
• HQ: New Delhi.
• 5 Members: Chairperson + 2 Judicial + 2 Technical Members.
• Tenure: 5 years or age 70, whichever is earlier.

Appointment Reforms

• Search-cum-Selection Committees under NTC.
• 1 primary + 1 waiting-list candidate for each vacancy.
• Government must issue appointment orders within 3 months.

Uniform Service Conditions

• Tenure: 5 years.
• Age: Chairperson – 70 years; Members – 67 years.
• Re-appointment: Permitted.
• Removal allowed on specified grounds such as incapacity, conviction, insolvency, abuse of position and conflict of interest.

National Tribunals Data Grid (NTDG)

• Centralised repository of tribunal case data.
• Helps improve transparency and track case pendency.