Important Statutory Provisions (Administrative Law)

Establishes Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and State Administrative Tribunals

CAT has jurisdiction over recruitment and service conditions of Central government employees

CAT decisions are subject to HC writ jurisdiction (L. Chandra Kumar, 1997)

Chairperson must be a retired SC judge or HC Chief Justice

Implements Art. 19(1)(a) right to know (S.P. Gupta v. Union of India, 1982)

Every citizen can request information from public authorities

Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) adjudicate

Exemptions: sovereignty, security, cabinet papers, fiduciary relationships, personal information

RTI Amendment Act, 2019 — changed tenure and service conditions of CIC and SIC members (controversial)

Establishes Lokpal at Union level

Jurisdiction: PM (restricted), Ministers, MPs, Group A/B/C/D officials, NGOs receiving government funds

Selection: A 5-member committee (PM, LS Speaker, LoP in LS, CJI or SC judge nominated by CJI, Eminent Jurist)

The CEC Act 2023 later changed ECI appointment but Lokpal committee structure remains separate

Key amendment: Bribe-giver is now equally culpable (not just bribe-taker)

Prior sanction for prosecution of public servants required even after retirement

Reflects Art. 51-A (j) — duty to strive towards excellence without corruption

Establishes National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs)

Chairperson: Retired CJI (NHRC); retired HC Chief Justice (SHRC)

Powers similar to civil court for inquiry; can recommend compensation

Cannot inquire into matters pending before NHRC or HC