The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is the premier forum for service law disputes of certain government employees in India. However, many employees are unsure whether they are eligible to approach CAT, and which category of employees most commonly file cases.
Understanding which types of government employees commonly approach CAT helps in identifying whether your service dispute is maintainable, and what strategy to adopt for filing.
Who Can Approach CAT?
CAT primarily deals with service matters under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985. Employees eligible to approach CAT include:
- Central Government employees
- Railway employees
- Employees of Union Territories
- Employees of notified statutory authorities or organizations
Let’s look at the most common categories of employees who approach CAT.
1️⃣ Central Government Employees
Central Government employees are the largest group approaching CAT. They include:
- Officers and staff of various ministries
- Departmental employees working under Government of India
- Employees of statutory authorities under central control
Common issues raised by central employees include:
- Transfers and postings
- Promotions and seniority disputes
- Suspension and disciplinary action
- Pay fixation, ACP/MACP disputes
- Termination or compulsory retirement
Central employees form the backbone of CAT service disputes.
2️⃣ Railway Employees
Railway employees are another major group approaching CAT, as Railways are covered under Central Government service law.
Common disputes include:
- Arbitrary transfers
- Disciplinary proceedings
- Medical unfitness issues
- Seniority and promotion disputes
- Pay and allowance discrepancies
Many CAT benches see a large number of railway-related service matters.
3️⃣ Union Territory Employees
Employees working under Union Territories (UTs), such as Delhi, Chandigarh, or Lakshadweep, can approach CAT.
These employees typically challenge:
- Transfers and postings
- Disciplinary proceedings
- Denial of promotions
- Pension and retirement benefits
UT employees often approach CAT because State Administrative Tribunals do not have jurisdiction.
4️⃣ Employees of Central Government-Controlled Authorities
Some statutory bodies and authorities under Central Government control are included under CAT jurisdiction. Employees of such organizations include:
- Staff of notified statutory authorities
- Employees of government-owned corporations
- Certain PSU staff (depending on government notification)
Disputes commonly raised:
- Pay fixation and allowances
- Promotions and seniority
- Disciplinary actions
CAT carefully examines whether a PSU or statutory body is notified under the Administrative Tribunals Act.
5️⃣ Temporary, Probationary, and Deputation Employees
Even temporary or probationary employees under Central Government or notified bodies can approach CAT, provided the matter relates to conditions of service.
Examples:
- Probationers denied confirmation
- Employees on contract or deputation whose service rights are violated
CAT is not restricted to permanent employees.
Who Cannot Approach CAT?
Understanding exclusions is critical:
- State Government employees (except when a State Administrative Tribunal exists)
- Armed Forces personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- Purely private employees
- Employees of PSUs not notified under CAT jurisdiction
Filing a case by ineligible employees often leads to dismissal on maintainability grounds.
Common Service Matters Raised by Employees Approaching CAT
The most frequent disputes filed by these employee categories include:
- Transfer & posting orders
- Promotion & seniority lists
- Pay fixation, increments, ACP/MACP
- Suspension or disciplinary actions
- Termination, dismissal, or compulsory retirement
- Pension, gratuity, or retirement benefits
Practical Tip for Government Employees
Before filing a case before CAT:
- Confirm that your employer falls under CAT jurisdiction
- Verify that your dispute qualifies as a service matter
- Ensure that departmental remedies are exhausted
- Check limitation period to avoid rejection
Filing without eligibility or proper documentation can permanently harm your case.
Conclusion
Understanding which types of government employees commonly approach CAT helps identify eligibility, proper forum, and legal strategy.
Central Government employees, railway staff, UT employees, and employees of notified authorities are the primary CAT litigants, while others may require different forums.
Filing in the right forum with complete documentation is key to protecting service rights.
More Legal Topics to Read
Who can file a case before CAT?
What is meant by “service matters” under CAT jurisdiction?
Difference between CAT and High Court in service law matters
What is an Original Application (OA) before CAT?
What documents are required to file a CAT case?
Under what circumstances does CAT quash departmental inquiries?
What is the scope of judicial review by CAT in service matters?
Can CAT set aside punishment orders imposed in disciplinary proceedings?
Can contractual or ad-hoc employees approach CAT?
Are PSU employees covered under CAT jurisdiction?
What are the most common mistakes while filing CAT cases?
CAT remedies for police personnel facing disciplinary action
Pay fixation & MACP disputes of government employees before CAT
Challenging CAT orders before the High Court