Difference between Tribunal and Court

The legal system in our country relies heavily on both courts and tribunals to administer justice. Over the years, the courts have set several precedents that have substantially benefited Indian democracy. The establishment of tribunals has made it possible to settle disputes quickly and affordably. However, the burden on the courts has grown as a result of the substantial backlog of cases that the judiciary has had to deal with over time. In enforcing the rule of law and administering justice, tribunals and courts are both crucial. They are both necessary elements of a just and equitable judicial system. Although both tribunals and courts are legal entities that settle disputes, they differ in a few ways.

What is Tribunal?

Tribunals are quasi-judicial entities that act as a bridge between the executive and judicial branches of government. They carry out quasi-judicial duties, reducing the load on the judiciary and accelerating the administration of justice. The word “tribunes,” which describes the magistrates of the Classical Roman Republic, is where the word “tribunal” originated from. These organizations were set up to perform several tasks, including settling conflicts, deciding on rights between opposing parties, issuing administrative rulings, and evaluating already-issued ones. The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1976, is responsible for the introduction of tribunals into the Indian judicial system. Articles 323A and 323B of the Amendment added the word “tribunal” to the Constitution. The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, however, was the first tribunal to be constituted in India in 1941. Tribunals carry out several tasks, including resolving conflicts, establishing rights between parties in conflict, issuing administrative decisions, examining previously issued administrative decisions, and more. Some of the major tribunals constituted in India are: National Green Tribunal, Water Disputes Tribunal, Administrative Tribunals, The Armed Forces Tribunal, National Company Law Tribunal, etc.

Key Features of Tribunals are as follows:

• A tribunal is a body that functions in a quasi-judicial capacity. They are not only executive or judicial organizations.
• Tribunals are created with certain authority and objectives in mind. These tribunals improve the efficacy and efficiency of the legal system by offering an alternate venue for settling certain issues.
• Undoubtedly, some of the judges’ other responsibilities have been lightened by the establishment of tribunals.
• They strive to expedite the settlement of subject-specific issues while respecting the ideals of justice, equality, and morality.

What is Court?

The government established courts as legal establishments to settle disputes and carry out justice. They act as unbiased authorities that interpret and implement the law to settle disputes between people, groups, or the government. Courts are essential in maintaining the rule of law and guaranteeing just and equitable decisions. There are three levels to the Indian judiciary, and the courts are a component of the third branch of government. Operating at the central level is the Supreme Court that has original jurisdiction and is also able to consider writs under Article 32. State-level courts, known as High Courts have the authority to grant writs under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution. In India, there are presently 25 High Courts, with one for each of the country’s states. The District courts, often referred to as subordinate courts, are at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Key Features of Court are as follows:

• Courts are legal institutions established by the government to resolve disputes and administer justice impartially.
• Courts interpret and apply laws to settle conflicts between individuals, groups, or the government.
• Courts play a crucial role in maintaining the rule of law by ensuring fair and equitable decisions based on legal principles.
• The Indian judiciary consists of three levels; the Supreme Court at the central level, High Courts at the state level, and District Courts at the local level, each with distinct jurisdictions and functions.

Difference between Tribunal and Court

Basis	Court	Tribunal
Meaning	It is the core of the legal system.	A quasi-judicial body is called a tribunal.
Purpose	Courts make decisions, judgments, and orders in civil proceedings; they also find people guilty or not guilty in criminal situations.	Tribunals are designed to compensate the involved parties.
Domain	Courts deal with a variety of cases, such as civil, criminal, and constitutional.	There are distinct tribunals for each topic area since they are especially designed to handle a single subject.
Legal Hierarchy	The nation’s highest court, according to the legal hierarchy, is the Supreme Court. The Indian judicial system is divided into three tiers.	Typically, tribunals are unified bodies where victims of injustice bring their cases immediately.
Staffed By	The head of the court is a judge who is authorized to practice law. The court are also staffed by magistrates.	It is not necessary for the presiding officer of a tribunal to have formal legal training. The presiding officer and members of an administrative tribunal, for instance, could be authorities on administrative matters pertaining to the executive branch.
Power and Function	Judicial responsibilities in particular, which determine the legality of laws.	Quasi-judicial duties and restricted legislative decision-making authority.
Jurisdiction	Jurisdiction includes several kinds of problem areas and different domains.	Restricted to departmental matters within a designated fieldwide.
Example	Supreme Court, High Court, and Subordinate Court.	National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, National Green Tribunal, etc.

Conclusion

In the legal system, tribunals and courts both have vital functions that guarantee justice is done and conflicts are settled. Tribunals provide a specialized and effective substitute for courts in handling departmental disputes, but courts have a more conventional framework and a wider purview. The presence of courts and tribunals makes it possible to create a just legal system that meets the many demands of society and encourages the efficient administration of justice.

Tribunal and Court- FAQs

What distinguishes a Tribunal from a Court, specifically?

Tribunals are institutions established by statute that handle certain situations, whereas courts are a component of the traditional legal system and handle a variety of cases.

What kinds of rulings are rendered by Tribunals and Courts?

Tribunals make awards; courts render judgments, decrees, convictions, or acquittals.

Are Tribunals and Courts subject to the same regulations?

No, tribunals are not bound by civil procedural regulations; rather, they are bound by the principles of natural justice. Courts of law, on the other hand, are bound by all standards of procedure and evidence.

What kinds of cases do Courts hear?

Yes, courts deal with a variety of legal issues, such as criminal and civil disputes. Private parties’ disagreements, including those involving contracts, personal injury claims, and property disputes, are the subject of civil litigation. Allegations of illegal behavior, including theft, assault, and murder, are the subject of criminal proceedings.

What kinds of matters are considered by Tribunals?

In general, tribunals consider matters pertaining to specific legal fields such as social security, employment, immigration, tax, and housing. They are intended to offer a less formal, more approachable platform for settling conflicts in various domains.

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