Law Minister Meghwal stresses need to curb govt appeal against court orders, urges CAT to embrace tech

Arjun Ram Meghwal

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Saturday underlined the need to rein in the frequent tendency of government departments to challenge court orders, even when judgments are legally sound.

Speaking at a conference of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in New Delhi, Meghwal remarked, “At times, government departments go for appeal despite courts delivering sound judgements.” He pointed out that, in several cases, officers move appeals simply “to save their skin as the judgments have questioned decisions taken by them.”

The minister revealed that such practices are not uncommon. “I get files on a regular basis where central departments are planning to file appeals against sound court orders,” he noted, stressing the importance of avoiding unnecessary litigation.

While addressing the conference, Meghwal also emphasized the role of technology in strengthening the tribunal system. He urged CAT to adopt modern practices such as e-filing and virtual hearings so that “geography does not become an obstacle in delivery of justice.”

At the same time, he lauded the contribution of the tribunal in easing the burden on higher courts. The CAT, he said, has played a key role in reducing the case load of the Supreme Court and high courts.

With inputs from PTI