Tenure of 248 members of tribunals extended under new law: Centre to SC

The Centre on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that 248 members of different tribunals have been found eligible for extension under the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2026, and their services are being extended.

The government said eligible tribunal members would continue in office until they complete the five-year tenure prescribed under the new law or reach the applicable maximum age limit.

SC extends tenure of three NGT members

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of the submission that three members—two judicial and one technical—of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) are demitting office on Tuesday.

The bench was told that the departure of the three members could adversely affect the functioning of the green tribunal.

As an interim measure, the Supreme Court extended the tenure of the three NGT members until fresh appointments are made to their posts.

“We have heard with respect to three members of NGT, whose term is expiring today. Even though these members may not be entitled to further extension in view of age embargo. However, the Attorney General states that the selection process for appointment of new members will be completed very soon.

“To ensure that day-to-day functioning of NGT is not hampered, we direct that three members continue as an interim measure till fresh appointments are made in their place,” the bench said.

229 extension orders already issued

During the hearing, the Attorney General informed the bench that 248 members of different tribunals had been found eligible for extension under Section 24 of the new law.

Of these, extension orders had already been issued for 229 members, while orders concerning the remaining 19 were being issued on Tuesday.

The bench recorded that eligible members would remain in office until they complete the five-year tenure prescribed under the new regime or attain the applicable maximum age limit.

“In view of this, let a formal order granting extension subject to these two conditions be issued by the Government of India,” the bench said.

Centre told to expedite fresh appointments

With regard to other tribunals, the bench directed the Centre to take up the appointment process in accordance with the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2026 without any delay.

The court's intervention came as the tenure of several tribunal members was set to expire, raising concerns over the impact on the functioning of various tribunals.

Earlier extension was granted till September 8

The issue arose against the backdrop of the Supreme Court's May 19 order, under which the tenure of tribunal chairpersons, presidents and members whose terms were due to expire before September 8 had been extended until that date.

The extension was granted to ensure that the functioning of tribunals was not disrupted while the issue concerning their appointments and tenure was being addressed.