The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 to provide speedy and specialized justice in matters related to service disputes of public servants under the Union government. Its primary role is to adjudicate disputes and complaints relating to recruitment and conditions of service of government employees, thereby reducing the burden on regular civil courts and High Courts.

CAT functions with powers similar to a civil court and is guided by principles of natural justice, though not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure. It ensures technical expertise and quicker resolution in service matters. Appeals from CAT decisions lie directly to the High Court after the Supreme Court’s ruling in L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997), which reinstated judicial review of CAT orders by High Courts.

In terms of effectiveness, CAT has played a significant role in resolving lakhs of service-related disputes, providing an accessible forum for government employees. However, challenges like delay in appointments of members, infrastructure issues, and inconsistent decisions in some benches have affected its efficiency. Overall, CAT remains a vital part of India’s administrative justice system, though reforms are needed to enhance its uniformity and operational strength.