CII Urges Government To Amend Tribunal Law, Proposes Oversight Mechanism

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has urged the government to create a centralised oversight mechanism for tribunals by amending the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, to improve consistency and performance.

Tribunals currently function under fragmented controls, leading to inconsistencies and a lack of standard processes. The proposed body would monitor performance, manage data, coordinate with selection committees, support capacity building, and address grievances. CII noted the absence of real-time data, unlike the National Judicial Data Grid used by courts. With over Rs 6.7 trillion in tax disputes pending before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, CII said improving tribunal efficiency could free fiscal resources and improve ease of doing business.

CII supported its proposal with Supreme Court judgements and the Law Commission’s 272nd report, citing the need for a statutory foundation for such a body.