The Supreme Court of India came down heavily on the Central government on Tuesday for its repeated attempts to delay proceedings in a significant case concerning tribunal reforms. The bench, led by Justice DY Chandrachud, expressed strong disapproval of the government's conduct in seeking multiple adjournments.
Judicial Frustration Evident
"Enough is enough," the court declared, making it clear that the government's approach of consistently seeking more time was unacceptable. The bench emphasized that valuable judicial time was being wasted due to these repeated adjournment requests.
The Core Issue: Tribunal Reforms Act
The case centers around the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, which has faced legal challenges regarding its constitutional validity. The legislation aims to streamline the functioning of various tribunals across the country but has raised concerns about judicial independence and the separation of powers.
Government's Defense Strategy
The Centre, represented by Attorney General R Venkataramani, sought additional time to file a comprehensive response. However, the court remained unimpressed, noting that the matter had been pending for a considerable period and required immediate attention.
Broader Implications for Judicial Administration
This confrontation highlights the ongoing tension between the judiciary and executive regarding tribunal reforms. The Supreme Court's strong stance underscores the importance of timely justice delivery and the need for the government to respect judicial processes.
The court has now given the Centre a final opportunity to submit its response, setting a firm deadline for the next hearing. Legal experts suggest this ruling could set a precedent for how courts handle government delays in important constitutional matters.
