The legal system in our country relies heavily on both courts and tribunals to administer justice. Over the years, the courts have set several precedents that have substantially benefited Indian democracy. The establishment of tribunals has made it possible to settle disputes quickly and affordably. However, the burden on the courts has grown as a result of the substantial backlog of cases that the judiciary has had to deal with over time. In enforcing the rule of law and administering justice, tribunals and courts are both crucial. They are both necessary elements of a just and equitable judicial system. Although both tribunals and courts are legal entities that settle disputes, they differ in a few ways.

What is Tribunal?

Tribunals are quasi-judicial entities that act as a bridge between the executive and judicial branches of government. They carry out quasi-judicial duties, reducing the load on the judiciary and accelerating the administration of justice. The word “tribunes,” which describes the magistrates of the Classical Roman Republic, is where the word “tribunal” originated from. These organizations were set up to perform several tasks, including settling conflicts, deciding on rights between opposing parties, issuing administrative rulings, and evaluating already-issued ones. The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1976, is responsible for the introduction of tribunals into the Indian judicial system. Articles 323A and 323B of the Amendment added the word “tribunal” to the Constitution. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, however, was the first tribunal to be constituted in India in 1941. Tribunals carry out several tasks, including resolving conflicts, establishing rights between parties in conflict, issuing administrative decisions, examining previously issued administrative decisions, and more. Some of the major tribunals constituted in India are: National Green Tribunal, Water Disputes Tribunal, Administrative Tribunals, The Armed Forces Tribunal, National Company Law Tribunal, etc.

Key Features of Tribunals are as follows:

• A tribunal is a body that functions in a quasi-judicial capacity. They are not only executive or judicial organizations.
• Tribunals are created with certain authority and objectives in mind. These tribunals improve the efficacy and efficiency of the legal system by offering an alternate venue for settling certain issues.
• Undoubtedly, some of the judges’ other responsibilities have been lightened by the establishment of tribunals.
• They strive to expedite the settlement of subject-specific issues while respecting the ideals of justice, equality, and morality.

What is Court?

The government established courts as legal establishments to settle disputes and carry out justice. They act as unbiased authorities that interpret and implement the law to settle disputes between people, groups, or the government. Courts are essential in maintaining the rule of law and guaranteeing just and equitable decisions. There are three levels to the Indian judiciary, and the courts are a component of the third branch of government. Operating at the central level is the Supreme Court that has original jurisdiction and is also able to consider writs under Article 32. State-level courts, known as High Courts have the authority to grant writs under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution. In India, there are presently 25 High Courts, with one for each of the country’s states. The District courts, often referred to as subordinate courts, are at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Key Features of Court are as follows:

• Courts are legal institutions established by the government to resolve disputes and administer justice impartially.
• Courts interpret and apply laws to settle conflicts between individuals, groups, or the government.
• Courts play a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law by ensuring fair and equitable decisions based on legal principles.
• The Indian judiciary consists of three levels; the Supreme Court at the central level, High Courts at the state level, and District Courts at the local level, each with distinct jurisdictions and functions.

Difference between Tribunal and Court