Armed Forces Tribunal's Chairperson term increased to five years

This Bill amends the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 to increase the term of office for the Tribunal's Chairperson and Members from four to five years and to grant the Tribunal the same powers to punish for contempt of court as a High Court has.

Who it concerns: The Armed Forces Tribunal, specifically its Chairperson, Judicial Members, and Administrative Members, as well as individuals or entities subject to the Tribunal's jurisdiction regarding service matters and contempt proceedings.

What the bill does

• Increases the term of office for the Chairperson and Members from four years to five years.
• Removes eligibility for reappointment for the Chairperson and Members.
• Raises the age limit for the Chairperson (if formerly Chief Justice of a High Court) from 65 to 67 years.
• Raises the age limit for Judicial Members from 65 to 67 years.
• Retains the age limit for Administrative Members at 65 years.
• Grants the Tribunal the same jurisdiction, powers, and authority in respect of contempt of itself as a High Court, applying the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 with specific modifications.

Also in the document

• The amendment is intended to provide stability and continuity to the Tribunal by reducing frequent vacancies caused by short tenures.
• The Bill expands the Tribunal's contempt powers to include civil contempt, in addition to the existing power to punish for criminal contempt.
• The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on June 25, 2012.