The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is the primary forum for service law disputes of government employees, including Delhi-based officers, teachers, police personnel, and PSU staff.
While CAT orders are generally final on factual findings, there are circumstances where parties—employees or government departments—may need to challenge CAT orders in the High Court.
In Delhi, this usually involves filing under Section 31 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, before the Delhi High Court, which has jurisdiction over Karkardooma, Tis Hazari, and Patiala House Court areas.
This blog explains grounds for appeal, procedure, case laws, and practical tips for Delhi employees.
Legal Basis for Challenging CAT Orders
- Section 31, Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985:
- Allows appeal to the High Court on points of law
- CAT factual findings are generally not reopened, only legal errors are considered
- Limitation: Appeal must be filed within 90 days from the date of the CAT order
Delhi High Court often entertains appeals involving central government offices, PSUs, railways, and other service matters within NCR.
Who Can Challenge CAT Orders in Delhi
- Government Employees or Pensioners – aggrieved by CAT decision
- Government Departments or PSUs – dissatisfied with CAT ruling
- Other parties – directly affected by the CAT order
Only parties with locus standi in the CAT case can file an appeal in Delhi High Court.
Grounds for Challenging CAT Orders
1️⃣ Error of Law
- Misinterpretation of service rules or statutory provisions
- Ignoring principles of natural justice while applying law
2️⃣ Jurisdictional Errors
- CAT exceeded its jurisdiction under the Administrative Tribunals Act
- Entertained matters beyond service law scope
3️⃣ Procedural Irregularities
- CAT failed to follow mandatory procedures
- Ignored interim relief applications
- Denied opportunity to be heard
4️⃣ Misapplication of Precedents
- CAT misapplied High Court or Supreme Court judgments
- Resulted in unjust outcomes for employees or departments
5️⃣ Violation of Fundamental Rights
- CAT orders conflicting with Articles 14, 16, or 21 of the Constitution
- Arbitrary denial of promotion, pay, or seniority
Appeals must focus on legal or jurisdictional errors, as mere factual disagreements rarely succeed.
Procedure to File Appeal Before Delhi High Court
- Obtain Certified Copy of CAT Order
- Draft Special Leave Appeal or Writ Petition citing Section 31 of the Administrative Tribunals Act
- Highlight points of law, procedural lapses, or constitutional violations
- File within 90 days from the CAT order
- Serve notice to opposite party (usually the department or PSU)
- Seek interim relief if urgent, such as stay of pay deduction, suspension, or promotion denial
Filing in the Delhi High Court ensures proximity for employees working in central government offices, PSUs, and railways in Delhi & NCR.
Key Case Laws on Challenging CAT Orders in Delhi
- Union of India v. T.V. Joseph (2010) – HC allowed appeal on error of law in CAT promotion order
- State of Maharashtra v. Sanjay Patil (2015) – Procedural irregularities in CAT orders led to High Court intervention
- Delhi High Court Judgments – Frequently entertain appeals on jurisdictional and legal errors in CAT orders
These cases show that High Courts primarily ensure legal compliance, not factual reassessment.
Practical Tips for Delhi Employees
- Obtain certified CAT order immediately
- Focus on points of law or procedural errors, not factual disagreements
- Attach all relevant service records and documents
- Consult lawyers familiar with Delhi CAT & High Court appeals
- Consider interim relief applications to protect salary, promotion, or service benefits
Proper legal strategy ensures high chances of success in challenging CAT orders in Delhi.
Conclusion
Challenging CAT orders before the Delhi High Court is an essential option for employees or departments dissatisfied with CAT decisions.
Key takeaways:
- Appeals are limited to points of law or jurisdictional errors
- Delhi High Court serves as the forum for central offices, PSUs, and NCR-based employees
- Timely filing, proper documentation, and expert legal guidance are crucial for success
Acting promptly safeguards your service rights, pay, promotions, and career progression.
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?
What types of government employees commonly approach CAT?
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