IN A 2:1 verdict, the Supreme Court on Wednesday struck down certain provisions of the Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021 relating to minimum age requirement of 50 for appointment as Chairperson or Members and fixing their tenure at four years. “Impartiality, independence, fairness and reasonableness in decision-making are the hallmarks of the judiciary,” the court said in its verdict. The ruling came on an appeal by the Madras Bar Association, challenging the provisions of the Ordinance. The majority verdict by Justice L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat said if “impartiality” is the soul of the judiciary, “independence” is the lifeblood of the judiciary. It said the court “is aghast to note that some tribunals are on the verge of closure due to the absence of Members”.

Source: Indian Express July 14, 2021 21:56 UTC