Justice Kohli takes over as CAT chief

Justice Permod Kohli has been appointed as the new chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) for term of five years.

He will take place of Justice Syed Rafat Alam who was the previous CAT chairman.

Key Points about Central Administrative Tribunal

Its function is to adjudicate the disputes with respect to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or state or other local authorities within the territory of India or under the control of Government of India.
The CAT is headed by a chairman who must be either a sitting or a retired Judge of a High Court. Other than Chairman, there are 16 Vice-Chairmen and 49 Members.
The principle bench is located at New Delhi.
Central Administrative Tribunal enjoys the status and powers of a High Court.

Key points about Administrative Tribunals Act 1985

Using the powers conferred by the Article 323A of the Constitution, Parliament passed a law to establish the Administrative tribunals in India.
The Administrative Tribunals Act 1985 provides for adjudication or trial of disputes and complaints with respect to recruitment and conditions of service of public servants.

The act has made provisions for the Central Administrative Tribunal for the Centre and a State Administrative Tribunal for a particular State.
In addition, the Act also provides for the establishment of Joint Administrative Tribunals to hear cases from more than one State.

The provisions of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 do not apply to the

Members of paramilitary forces
Armed forces of the Union
Officers or employees of the Supreme Court
Persons appointed to the Secretariat Staff of either House of Parliament or the Secretariat staff of State/ Union Territory Legislatures.