Quasi Judicial Body

Understanding Quasi Judicial Body

“Quasi-judicial” is a term that sheds light on a specific decision-making process carried out not by a court but by a governmental or administrative entity. Essentially, a quasi-judicial body is an administrative agency vested with the authority to make legally binding decisions. Unlike traditional courts, these bodies function akin to legal courts by adhering to established legal principles and procedures, emphasizing the need for impartiality from decision-makers.

Illustrations of Quasi Judicial Entities in India

These entities hold significant sway in settling disputes, upholding legal regulations, and safeguarding the rights and concerns of both individuals and organizations. Here are notable quasi judicial bodies integral to the administration of justice in the country:

1. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
2. Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
3. National Green Tribunal (NGT)
4. Central Information Commission (CIC)
5. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
6. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
7. National Human Rights Commission
8. Central Information Commission
9. National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
10. District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum
11. Appellate Tribunal for Electricity
12. Railway Claims Tribunal
13. Intellectual Property Appellate Tribunal
14. Banking Ombudsman
15. Income tax Ombudsman
16. State Sales tax Appellate Tribunal

Attributes of Quasi Judicial Bodies in India

Authority: These bodies wield powers akin to law-enforcing entities tasked with the imposition of laws on administrative agencies.

Expertise: In contrast to being led by a judge, these bodies comprise specialists in various domains such as Economics, Law, and Finance, ensuring a nuanced approach to decision-making.

Purpose: Quasi judicial bodies in India serve specific purposes. For instance, the National River Water Dispute Tribunal was established to adjudicate water-sharing conflicts among states. At the same time, the Central Administrative Tribunal is designed to address issues concerning civil servants and so forth.

Roles of Quasi Judicial Bodies in India

Quasi judicial bodies contribute significantly to the Indian justice system, ensuring the fair and unbiased resolution of disputes. Some of their key functions include:

1. Dispute Resolution: Empowered to address legal and administrative disputes across diverse domains.
2. Law Enforcement: Responsible for upholding and enforcing various laws and regulations.
3. Regulation of Sectors: Oversight of specific sectors like telecommunications, securities, and the environment, exemplified by bodies such as TRAI and NGT.
4. Rights Protection: Playing a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and interests of both individuals and organizations.

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Significance of Quasi-Judicial Bodies

The importance of quasi-judicial bodies lies in their numerous advantages, such as:

1. Accessible Justice: Offering a less formal and more accessible alternative to the traditional court system, ensuring easy access to justice.
2. Impartial Decision-Making: Expected to maintain impartiality, basing decisions on presented evidence.
3. Laws Enforcement: Often entrusted with the task of enforcing specific laws and regulations.
4. Efficient Dispute Resolution: Providing a more efficient avenue for resolving disputes compared to conventional court systems.
5. Specialized Knowledge: Bringing expertise in specialized areas of law, enhancing their ability to handle issues like labor relations, human rights, and environmental protection effectively.

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