3 publishers · first seen Thu, 29 Oct 2026 08:36 UTC · updated Thu, 29 Oct 2026 09:03 UTC
The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed serious concerns over the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' control over the National Company Law Tribunal and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, stating that the ministry had 'completely hijacked' the institutions, undermining their autonomy. A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made the remarks during a hearing on a petition by contractual employees facing displacement after a new contract awarded on October 6. The Court noted that only 67 of the NCLT’s 320 regular administrative posts are filled, with 16 vacancies among judicial and technical members.
The Bench called for the presidents of the NCLT and NCLAT to have complete autonomy over appointments, suggesting deputation as an interim measure and phased regular recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission or the Staff Selection Commission for the long term. It asked the tribunal presidents to submit proposals on infrastructure, staffing and administrative needs within four weeks and urged the Centre to provide essential facilities promptly.
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