Amendment to The Armed Forces Tribunal Bill, 2005
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for moving necessary amendments to the Armed Forces Tribunal Bill, 2005 pending in the Rajya Sabha.
The proposed amendments address major concerns, which emerged during deliberation on the draft Bill by the Standing Committee of Parliament on Defence. These are expected to make the adjudication by the Tribunal more effective, transparent and equitable, thereby making it more acceptable to service personnel in general.
The Armed Forces Tribunal Bill, 2005 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on December 20, 2005. The Bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Defence on December 27, 2005.
The Bill seeks to establish an Armed Forces Tribunal to adjudicate on disputes relating to service matters and appeals arising out of verdicts of courts- martial of members of the Army, Navy and the Air Force.
The Cabinet approval for an Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) will come as a relief for the armed forces. Hopefully, this along with the associated reforms will breathe in a new life into the military justice system.
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