'Not 1st delay': CJI Gavai on government's request to postpone hearing
Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai openly criticized the government for asking to postpone the Supreme Court hearing on the Tribunal Reforms Act—for the fourth time.
The government said their top lawyer was busy in an international arbitration, but CJI Gavai reminded them this wasn't the first delay and seemed frustrated by how often this keeps happening.
Why the Tribunal Reforms Act matters so much
This isn't just about court schedules. The Tribunal Reforms Act lets the government control who gets to be on tribunals, how long they serve, and even removes some important appeal bodies—though it was the provisions on tenure, age, and appointment process that were already struck down by the Supreme Court before.
Petitioners say this threatens judicial independence and could let politicians have too much say in legal decisions.
The final ruling here will shape how much power courts—and the government—have over India's tribunal system going forward.