Jurisdiction Over Uttarakhand Transferred To CAT Delhi Principal Bench Form CAT Allahabad: Centre Issues Notification
The Central Government by a Notification dated July 18 has approved the transfer of jurisdiction over Uttarkhand state from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Allahabad Bench to the CAT Delhi Principal Bench. This comes after a demand made by the High Court Bar Association Uttarakhand, Nainital to the Chairman of CAT Delhi Principal Bench for organizing camps at Nainital for CAT cases.
The High Court Bar Association of Uttarakhand asserted that before the division of Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad CAT Bench had jurisdiction over the entire area. However, after the creation of Uttarakhand through bifurcation, the Allahabad CAT bench started operating as a circuit bench. They also pointed out that there have been occasions when the circuit camp had to be cancelled due to a lack of available members.
Significantly, the distance between Allahabad and Nainital is approximately 800 km, while it is around 300 km to Delhi. Considering the interests of justice and practicality, the High Court Bar Association said that it would be more advantageous for the litigants and the public exchequer if members from the Delhi Bench were assigned to conduct the circuit camp in Nainital. This measure would also alleviate the financial burden.
The Notification issued by the Central Government states that “I am directed to refer to the above cited subject and to send herewith a duly signed notification dated 18th July 2023 for transferring of jurisdiction over the state of Uttarakhand from CAT, Allahabad Bench to CAT, Principal Bench, New Delhi alongwith a soft copy of the same.”
