Service Matters Expert
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, to adjudicate service disputes of Central Government employees. The Principal Bench of CAT is located in New Delhi and has jurisdiction over employees of the Central Government, Union Territories, and many Central Public Sector Undertakings. Disputes relating to recruitment, seniority, promotions, pay, pension, transfers, disciplinary proceedings, and termination are all within CAT's jurisdiction. Before approaching the CAT, an employee must typically file a representation with the competent authority and await a response for a reasonable period. We guide Central Government employees through every step of this process, from filing the initial representation to the final order of the Tribunal.
Promotion & Seniority Disputes
Wrongful denial of promotions and seniority violations are among the most common grievances of Central Government employees. We challenge Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) proceedings where proper procedure was not followed, challenge the empanelment of juniors over seniors contrary to service rules, and file Original Applications (OAs) before the CAT to secure your rightful placement in the seniority list. We also challenge unlawful supersessions where a senior officer is passed over for promotion without any justified recorded reason.
Suspension, Departmental Inquiry & Termination
Government employees facing suspension or departmental inquiry proceedings under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965 have specific procedural rights. We advise employees on the conduct of the inquiry, assist in submitting written statements of defence, file applications challenging illegal or prolonged suspension, and challenge the inquiry officer's report before the Disciplinary Authority. Where an employee is dismissed or removed from service, we file appeals before the Appellate Authority and thereafter before the CAT.
Transfer & Posting Orders
While the government generally has wide discretion in transfer matters, transfers made malafide, contrary to the department's own transfer policy, in violation of Court orders, or in violation of specific service rules are challengeable. We file stay applications before the CAT to suspend transfer orders while the main case is pending, and argue the merits of the challenge before the Tribunal. We have extensive experience in matters involving transfers of IAS, IPS, IFS officers, and Group A, B, and C employees across all Central Government Ministries.
Pension, Gratuity & Retiral Benefits
After a lifetime of service, delays or wrongful withholding of pension, gratuity, CGEGIS, and other retiral benefits causes severe financial and emotional hardship. We file Original Applications before the CAT to secure timely release of pension orders, final payment of gratuity and leave encashment, restoration of pension commutation amounts, and correction of service records that affect retirement benefits. The CAT can also award interest on delayed payments of pension and gratuity.
