CAT Has Jurisdiction Over Armed Forces Recruitment Disputes: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court held that the Central Administrative Tribunal has jurisdiction to adjudicate disputes arising from the recruitment process of armed forces.

The Court observed that the statutory exclusion under the Administrative Tribunals Act applies only to persons who are already members of the armed forces and not to candidates at the recruitment stage.

It held that disputes relating to service conditions of serving personnel are barred, but challenges raised by unsuccessful or aggrieved candidates before appointment are maintainable.

The Court further observed that the Railway Protection Force is recognised as a Group ‘A’ Central Civil Service, thereby bringing recruitment-related disputes within CAT’s jurisdiction under law.

[UOI v. Kapil Gurjar]