Who Can File an Application in Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)?

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was established in 1985 by the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, to hear disputes and complaints regarding the hiring and service conditions of Central Government public servants, as well as those of other authorities. Bringing a case before CAT is a form of well-established legal process, which is determined both by the rules of the Central Administrative Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 1987, and the official CAT e-filing system and guidelines.

This paper gives a stepwise procedure of how to file a case in CAT, using genuine references such as the CAT Procedure Rules, 1987, and the official FAQs released by the Tribunal.

Who Can File a Case Before CAT

Rule 4 of the CAT (Procedure) Rules, 1987 indicates that any aggrieved person on an order with regard to their recruitment, appointment, promotion, seniority, transfer, disciplinary measure, or any other issue connected to the service can make an application before the Tribunal.

The applicant should fall under one of the following:

• An officer hired in any civil service or civil post by the Central Government.
• A worker of a Union Territory or other notified body.
• Any individual whose case comes under the coverage of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985.

Before applying to the CAT (Central Administrative Tribunal) to guide your case, it’s essential to understand its role and functions. Established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, CAT is a specialized judicial body that resolves service-related disputes of Central Government employees.

Preliminary Requirements Before Filing

An applicant should be sure that before contacting CAT:

Exhaustion of Departmental Remedies:

According to Section 20 of the Act, applicants are expected to have already sought redress in the concerned department (say by making a representation or appealing). In case of departmental remedies not being exhausted, the Tribunal may dismiss cases.

• Limitation Period: Section 21 of the Act provides that an application should be made during the period of one year after the date of the order or the cause of action. Delay may, however, be condoned by the Tribunal provided there is adequate justification.
• Jurisdiction: The application should be submitted in the Bench that has jurisdiction over the office of the applicant or where the action of causation occurred.

Format and Contents of the Application

The application has been given structure by Rule 4 and Rule 5 of the CAT (Procedure) Rules, 1987.

Each application should have:

• Heading: “At the Central Administrative Tribunal” and the name of the Bench.
• Parties: The name, address, and official title of the applicant and the information of whom the respondent will be (e.g., Ministry or Department).
• Facts of the Case: A statement of material facts in a chronological order.
• Relief Sought: This is the relief or direction that is sought by the Tribunal.
• Grounds: Reasons in support of the relief.
• Verification: The applicant is to confirm that all statements are honest to the best of their knowledge.

All the applications have to be typed, paginated, and signed by an applicant or authorized advocate.

Documents to Be Attached For CAT

In accordance with Rule 6, the following should be annexed:

• A duplicated or authorized copy of the impugned order or decision.
• Duplicates of pertinent correspondence or representations.
• The supporting documents are attached and cited consecutively.
• Index and list of documents.

In the event the applicant is relying on more than one document, each annexure should be distinctly labeled (e.g., Annexure A-1, A-2, etc.).

Number of Copies and Filing Fee

Under Rule 7:

• Four copies and one original application should be presented by the applicant.
• In e-filing, all the annexures and verification in digital format should be uploaded.

According to the CAT (Procedure) Rules and FAQ on e-filing, ₹50 is to be paid by the online payment gateway or demand draft in favor of Registrar, Central Administrative Tribunal.

How to File the Case

(a) Physical Filing: The application can be filed at the Registry of the concerned CAT Bench.

Upon submission, the Registry checks for:

• Proper format and jurisdiction
• Payment of prescribed fee
• Enclosure of necessary documents

If any deficiency exists, the Registry issues a defect notice for correction.

(b) E-Filing (Online Method): The CAT introduced e-filing through the official portal efiling.cgat.gov.in.

Steps as per the official CAT E-Filing FAQ:

1. Visit the portal and register as an applicant or advocate.
2. Log in and select “File New Case.”
3. Enter case details as per the application form.
4. Upload the petition, annexures, and verification.
5. Pay the filing fee online.
6. Submit the case and download the acknowledgment slip.

Once filed, the system generates a Diary Number, which can be used to track case status.

Conclusion

Filing a case in the Central Administrative Tribunal is a structured legal process governed by statutory rules. Applicants must adhere to the CAT (Procedure) Rules, 1987, and the guidelines issued through the official CAT e-filing portal .Following the prescribed format, timelines, and documentary requirements ensures that the case is properly registered and effectively adjudicated.

If you still have questions after reading this blog, professional legal assistance can make all the difference. Reach out to Srinivasa Law Firm in Delhi for reliable and experienced CAT representation.

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