(File photo)The Union government has changed the rules governing appointment in the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT), giving more powers to the Defence Secretary who would now have a role in ordering inquiries against members of the tribunal and their removal. The rules also reiterate the role of the Defence Secretary in selecting the Members of the tribunal and even consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) has been abrogated. The facilities and benefits of retired High Court Judges appointed as Judicial Members have been downgraded to regular Group A (Class I) officers of the Central Government. This, despite the fact that the Defence Secretary is the first respondent party in all litigation in AFT. While the existing provisions barred the post-retirement employment of members with the government, the new rules specifically allow such employment.

Source: Indian Express July 12, 2017 05:17 UTC