CAT Vijayawada Circuit Bench Marks First Year with Significant Case Disposal
The Central Administrative Tribunal's (CAT) Vijayawada Circuit Bench has made a substantial impact in its initial year of operation, successfully clearing 1420 pending service matters. Since commencing functions on February 17, 2025, this bench has achieved a notable 28% reduction in the overall backlog of cases compared to the pendency recorded a year prior.
Impressive Disposal Efficiency and Operational Details
Operating through week-long sittings each month, the bench demonstrated remarkable efficiency by recording a disposal rate of 146% over 50 sitting days. During this period, disposals significantly outpaced new filings, with 1420 cases resolved against 967 fresh submissions. As a result, the current pendency stands at 1174 cases, down from 1627 a year ago.
This performance underscores the bench's effectiveness in addressing long-standing demands for local judicial access for central government employees and pensioners in Andhra Pradesh. Currently housed in rented premises in Vijayawada, the circuit bench has alleviated the need for litigants to travel to Hyderabad, thereby saving considerable time and costs while enhancing access to judicial remedies.
Composition and Future Plans for the Bench
The bench is composed of judicial member Dr. Lata Baswaraj Patne and administrative members VSK Kaumudi, IPS (retired), and Shalini Mishra (IAS). In a statement released on Tuesday commemorating the bench's first anniversary, the CAT members highlighted that the improved disposal rate was a collective effort involving advocates, government counsels, applicants, and the members themselves.
Looking forward, the Andhra Pradesh government has initiated steps to allocate land or office space in Amaravati for the establishment of a permanent CAT Bench. Coordination with the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) is currently underway. The proposed permanent bench is anticipated to facilitate regular sittings and boost disposal capacity within the state, further streamlining service-related justice delivery.
Impact and Commitment to Speedy Adjudication
CAT officials emphasized that the first year's achievements demonstrate a measurable improvement in the delivery of justice for service matters and reaffirm the tribunal's dedication to expedited adjudication. This development marks a significant step towards enhancing judicial efficiency and accessibility in the region, benefiting numerous central government employees and pensioners.
