Comment on the need of administrative tribunals as compared to the court system. Assess the impact of the recent tribunal reforms through rationalization of tribunals made in 2021. (Answer in 150 words)

Administrative tribunals provide specialist and relatively speedy adjudication for governance-related disputes.

Need

• Specialisation, flexible procedure, regional access and focused jurisdiction can reduce court pendency.
• Independence, adequate staffing and appellate supervision remain essential.

2021 reform

• Nine tribunals were abolished and functions transferred, reducing duplication but risking loss of expertise.
• Short tenure and executive influence raised independence concerns; transferred appeals may burden High Courts.

Keywords: polity, judiciary, tribunals, Tribunals Reforms Act 2021