One of the most common reasons service matters fail is filing before the wrong forum. Many government employees approach the High Court or the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) without first checking whether they are legally entitled to do so. As a result, cases are dismissed at the threshold—sometimes even before notice is issued.
Understanding who can file a case before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is crucial before initiating any service litigation. This blog explains CAT eligibility, covered employees, exclusions, and common misconceptions in a clear and practical manner.
What is the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)?
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) is a specialized quasi-judicial body established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 to adjudicate disputes relating to service matters of certain categories of government employees.
In most service disputes involving Central Government employees, CAT functions as the court of first instance, and its orders are subject to judicial review by the High Courts.
Who Can File a Case Before CAT?
✅ 1. Central Government Employees
Any person who:
- Belongs to a civil service of the Union, or
- Holds a civil post under the Central Government
is entitled to approach CAT for redressal of service-related grievances.
Common CAT cases filed by Central Government employees include:
- Transfer and posting disputes
- Suspension orders
- Disciplinary proceedings
- Promotion and seniority issues
- Pay fixation, ACP/MACP disputes
- Termination, dismissal, or compulsory retirement
✅ 2. Railway Employees
Railway employees are fully covered under CAT jurisdiction.
A significant number of CAT cases relate to railway service matters, including:
- Transfer and posting
- Departmental inquiries
- Medical unfitness
- Promotion and seniority disputes
Railway employees are generally required to approach CAT before moving the High Court.
✅ 3. Employees of Union Territories
Employees working under Union Territories, including Delhi, can file service matters before CAT.
This includes employees of:
- UT departments
- UT-controlled authorities and institutions
✅ 4. Employees of Central Government-Controlled Authorities
Employees of statutory bodies, boards, or authorities that are:
- Established by a Central Act, or
- Substantially controlled by the Central Government
may approach CAT if such organization is notified under the Administrative Tribunals Act.
Maintainability in such cases depends on the degree of government control and statutory notification.
✅ 5. Temporary, Probationary & Deputation Employees
CAT jurisdiction is not restricted to permanent employees.
The following employees can also approach CAT:
- Temporary employees
- Probationers
- Employees on deputation (for service-related disputes)
The key factor is whether the employee holds a civil post under the Central Government.
Who Cannot File a Case Before CAT?
Understanding exclusions is equally important to avoid dismissal.
Armed Forces Personnel
Members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are expressly excluded from CAT jurisdiction.
State Government Employees
CAT does not have jurisdiction over:
- State Government employees
- Employees of State-controlled bodies
unless a State Administrative Tribunal exists.
Private Employees
Employees of private companies or institutions cannot approach CAT under any circumstances.
Certain PSU Employees
PSU employees are not automatically covered under CAT.
CAT examines:
- Nature of PSU
- Government control
- Statutory notification
Many PSU service matters are rejected by CAT due to lack of jurisdiction.
Can Contractual or Ad-Hoc Employees File CAT Cases?
This is a frequently searched query.
- Being contractual does not automatically bar CAT jurisdiction
- CAT examines the nature of appointment and statutory backing
Purely contractual appointments without statutory protection are often held not maintainable.
Why Eligibility Before CAT Is Crucial
CAT cases are commonly dismissed because:
- Applicant is not legally eligible
- Employer is not covered under CAT
- Matter is not a “service matter”
- Wrong forum is approached
Such dismissal can also push the case beyond limitation, permanently affecting legal remedies.
Practical Checklist Before Filing a CAT Case
Before filing an Original Application (OA), verify:
- Whether CAT has jurisdiction
- Whether you are a covered employee
- Whether departmental remedies are exhausted
- Whether limitation is still alive
Early legal advice can prevent fatal procedural errors.
Conclusion
The Central Administrative Tribunal is a powerful forum for resolving service disputes—but only for those who legally fall within its jurisdiction. Knowing who can file a case before CAT is the foundation of any successful service law litigation.
Service matters are technical and time-sensitive. Filing before the wrong forum can irreversibly damage your career and legal rights.
More Legal Topics to Read
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