New Delhi: The Government is working on a
proposal to stop chairmen and members of various tribunals
from working as arbitrators while in office, the Rajya Sabha
was informed today.
"A proposal is under consideration wherein persons
functioning as chairmen, presidents, vice-presidents and
members (of tribunals) are stopped from giving such advice in
arbitration work," Law Minister M Veerappa Moily said in a
written reply.
He said the terms and conditions of appointment of
chairmen and members of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, which
is administered by the Law Ministry, prohibits them to
undertake any arbitration (out of court settlement governed by
rules of alternative dispute resolution system) work while
being part of the tribunal.
Sources in the Law Ministry said the proposal is being
worked out and will be taken to the Union Cabinet for approval
shortly.
The proposal bars such members and chairpersons from
working as arbitrators while in office. As of now, some of
them are reported to be working as arbitrators in various
cases.
There are at least 21 tribunals which are regulated by
Acts, Rules and Regulations governed by various Union
Ministries.
-PTI
