Supreme Court Invalidates Tribunal Reforms Act 2021 for Undermining Judicial Independence

The Supreme Court has struck down the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, ruling that Parliament had revived provisions previously rejected by the Court, thereby creating an unconstitutional legislative override.

The Bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran held that changes to tenure, age limits, and the appointment process directly conflicted with safeguards laid down in the Madras Bar Association decisions, weakening judicial independence and the separation of powers.

The Court directed the Centre to establish a National Tribunal Commission within four months. Appointments made before the Act will continue to remain valid.