NEW DELHI, October 29: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the presidents of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to submit comprehensive proposals outlining their infrastructure, building and staffing requirements within four weeks.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana asked both tribunal heads to assess their requirements and place the details before the court.
The proposals are expected to cover land and building requirements, essential facilities and adequate staff. The bench also asked the NCLT to examine the need for an officer of Deputy Registrar or Joint Registrar rank at every bench to ensure the proper maintenance of judicial records.
The Supreme Court urged the Centre to ensure that basic facilities are provided to the tribunals at the earliest. It also directed the government to hold a meeting with relevant stakeholders after Attorney General R. Venkataramani proposed discussions involving tribunal leadership and members of the Bar to identify priority requirements.
Concerns Over Deteriorating Tribunal Infrastructure
The directions came after the court was informed that infrastructure at the NCLT Principal Bench was in a severely deteriorated condition, with two floors reportedly shut and court functioning operating at half capacity.
The Supreme Court had previously asked the Centre to identify urgent infrastructure requirements for NCLT benches in consultation with the tribunal’s president. It had also directed the NCLT Principal Bench Bar Association to compile information on facilities available at regional benches.
The court is hearing a suo motu case concerning vacancies in judicial and technical posts and inadequate infrastructure at the NCLT.
Shortage Of Tribunal Members Raises Concerns
The NCLT Bar Association has filed an application stating that at least 18 tribunal benches are conducting only half-day sittings because of a shortage of members.
The association has also argued that the tribunal’s sanctioned strength remains at 63 members despite a substantial expansion of its jurisdiction following the enactment of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
According to the application, as of June 30, 2026, the NCLT had 26 judicial members and 25 technical members, including its president.
The Supreme Court’s latest directions aim to assess the tribunals’ infrastructure and staffing needs and enable the authorities to take steps towards improving their functioning.
