Dr. Jitendra Singh Inaugurates New CAT Complex in Guwahati, Hails NE Development

Marking a significant step towards enhancing judicial infrastructure in the North-East, the new Court-cum-Office Complex of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was formally inaugurated today in Guwahati by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh. The establishment of the dedicated CAT facility, coming nearly four decades after the tribunal's initial setup, reflects the sweeping infrastructural and developmental transformation the region has experienced over the last decade, emphasized the minister.

Addressing an audience comprising senior judicial officials, legal practitioners, and members of the administration, including Assam Cabinet Minister Shri Ranjit Kumar Das and CAT Chairman Justice R.K. Morey, Dr. Singh highlighted the Modi government’s resolute focus on empowering the North-East through targeted interventions and timely execution of critical infrastructure projects.

A Landmark Development: Dedicated Infrastructure after Four Decades

The Guwahati bench of CAT, among India's earliest benches established back in 1985, has operated without dedicated premises since its inception, often functioning out of rented spaces. The newly inaugurated facility marks a pivotal milestone, providing state-of-the-art judicial infrastructure for the effective functioning of the tribunal.

In his address, Dr. Singh expressed satisfaction at delivering the long-overdue infrastructure, highlighting the proactive support from the Assam government in making available the required land and facilitating completion of the complex in an impressively short span of three years. He noted this accelerated timeline is rare even within the private sector, underscoring the efficiency and coordination achieved between the central and state governments.

CAT’s Transformation: Addressing Legacy Constraints

Dr. Jitendra Singh, reflecting on CAT’s evolution, emphasized its critical role in ensuring accessible, fair, and expeditious justice for central government employees. However, he acknowledged longstanding operational constraints, including chronic infrastructure deficiencies and case backlog issues that hindered its effectiveness for many years.

Presenting compelling statistics, the minister highlighted CAT's substantial improvement in performance and efficiency under the current administration: out of the total 8.88 lakh cases disposed of since CAT's establishment, over 2.54 lakh cases—nearly one-third—were resolved in just the last ten years alone. This noteworthy progress is reflective of sustained government efforts aimed at improving institutional capacity, operational efficiency, and judicial accessibility.

State-of-the-Art Facilities for Effective Justice Delivery

The newly inaugurated CAT complex in Guwahati is equipped with advanced, contemporary features, underscoring the government’s commitment to modern judicial infrastructure. Key highlights include:

• Earthquake-resistant building construction to ensure structural safety.

• Comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems for enhanced security.

• Accessible facilities designed specifically for differently-abled individuals, ensuring inclusivity.

• Digitally-equipped courtrooms to facilitate video conferencing and e-filing.

These technological provisions, Dr. Singh remarked, played an instrumental role in maintaining continuity of judicial processes during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He cited successful examples such as the newly operational benches in Jammu and Srinagar, which maintained a remarkable 100% case disposal rate through seamless video-based hearings during lockdowns.

Empowering Administrative Members and Enhancing Efficiency

Addressing recent systemic reforms within CAT, Dr. Singh highlighted a significant policy shift enabling experienced administrative members to lead tribunal benches—a departure from the earlier norm mandating only judicial members for leadership positions. Acknowledging initial concerns from certain legal quarters, the minister asserted that the practical outcomes of this amendment have conclusively demonstrated the administrative members' effectiveness in interpreting and applying complex service rules and regulations.

He attributed noticeable improvements in case disposal rates, reduced pendency, and enhanced bench management to this policy adjustment, reaffirming its validity and success.

Tackling the Challenge of Repeated Litigation

Expressing concerns about persistent and repetitive litigation patterns, Dr. Singh called upon stakeholders from the legal fraternity and administrative bodies to introspect and address the systemic issues prompting frequent appeals and litigations in higher judicial forums.

"If every administrative tribunal decision is repeatedly challenged in High Courts, we must pause and ask ourselves where the process is faltering," Dr. Singh observed. He reiterated that such litigation cycles defeat the very vision and foundational principles on which CAT was established—to provide speedy and conclusive justice.

He urged all stakeholders—tribunal members, advocates, administrators, and policymakers—to collectively uphold and preserve the sanctity and integrity of CAT, ensuring it continues to fulfill its foundational objectives effectively.

Continued Commitment and Vision for Judicial Excellence

In closing his remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh affirmed the unwavering support of the Modi government in strengthening and empowering CAT as a critical judicial institution. He underscored the government's readiness to engage, collaborate, and support all judicial stakeholders in the pursuit of efficient, accessible, and timely justice delivery.

"The Centre remains firmly committed to cooperating with all stakeholders to safeguard this unique institution, which plays a crucial role in the lives of thousands of central government employees," Dr. Singh concluded.

The event symbolized not just a significant physical infrastructure milestone, but also a reaffirmation of the government's ongoing commitment to judicial reform, efficiency, and administrative transparency.

Distinguished Presence

Alongside Dr. Singh, several notable personalities attended the inauguration ceremony, including:

• Shri Ranjit Kumar Das, Cabinet Minister, Government of Assam.

• Justice R.K. Morey, Chairman, Central Administrative Tribunal.

• Senior judicial dignitaries, prominent advocates, legal professionals, and administrative officials.

This collective participation demonstrated widespread support and recognition of CAT’s essential role within India's broader judicial landscape.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Justice for the Future

The inauguration of the new CAT complex in Guwahati represents more than an infrastructural milestone—it signals a strengthened resolve towards sustained judicial reforms, administrative efficiency, and equitable justice. As the North-East continues on its path of rapid development, modern judicial infrastructure like this facility symbolizes the region's transformative journey under dedicated governance, laying a solid foundation for transparent, accountable, and people-centric administration.