The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, which proposes establishing a commission to select chairpersons and members of various tribunals. The Bill was approved by a voice vote without debate as Opposition protests and slogan-shouting disrupted the proceedings in the House.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal introduced the proposed legislation amid Opposition demands for Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the alleged police action against students protesting over the NEET paper leak. Members who had submitted notices opposing the Bill at the introduction stage did not speak during the disruption, and the draft law was subsequently taken up and passed.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the legislation would not change the jurisdiction or powers of existing tribunals. He explained that its primary purpose was to create a uniform appointment process and described it as part of the government’s continuing reforms. The Bill aims to improve efficiency, independence, transparency and consistency in tribunal appointments.

Also Read: Kerala Name Change, NCDC Expansion: Amit Shah Likely To Move Bills Today

The draft legislation provides a framework for establishing a National Tribunals Commission headquartered in New Delhi. The proposed body will comprise a chairperson and four members, including two judicial members and two technical members. A retired Supreme Court judge or a retired chief justice of a high court will be eligible for appointment as the commission’s chairperson.

The Bill sets out the qualifications, selection procedures, appointments, salaries, allowances, resignation, removal and other service conditions applicable to tribunal chairpersons and members. The commission is intended to provide professional expertise, independent supervision and a transparent mechanism for making appointments across the tribunals covered by the legislation.

The proposed law follows a Supreme Court ruling striking down certain provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, for conflicting with judicial independence and the separation of powers. The court had also directed the establishment of an independent National Tribunals Commission with transparent selection and oversight mechanisms. Once the new Bill becomes law, it will repeal the 2021 Act.

Also Read: New Banking Law Modernises Records But Leaves Privacy Gaps, Say Experts