Tribunal to hear listed and fresh matters; departments told to ensure records and nodal officers are present
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Kolkata Bench, will conduct a physical circuit sitting at Port Blair from September 7 to 18, 2026, the Administration has been informed. The schedule covers both matters already listed before the Tribunal and fresh applications received during the circuit period, according to an office communication cited by local officials.
The information was conveyed to the Administration by the Deputy Registrar/Head of Office of the Kolkata Bench, which has asked government departments with pending CAT cases to prepare files and co‑ordinate with the Government Pleader and Panel Advocates ahead of the hearings.
"The sitting will cover cases listed before the Tribunal as well as fresh applications received for consideration during the circuit period."
In directions circulated to Heads of Departments, the Administration emphasised advance coordination so that the Government Counsel has the necessary records and case details at the hearings. Departments have been asked to ensure that:
- Nodal Officers designated for CAT matters remain present at the Tribunal on the dates fixed for their cases;
- Relevant documents and briefing notes are handed over to the Government Pleader or Panel Advocate in good time; and
- Departments provide a detailed briefing and all case records required to assist representation during proceedings.
Practical implications for local administration and litigants
The circuit sitting gives litigants in Port Blair and the surrounding islands an opportunity to have matters heard without travelling to mainland benches. For the Administration, the physical presence of the Tribunal bench locally requires logistical and legal readiness across multiple departments to avoid adjournments or incomplete hearings.
Officials were directed to co‑ordinate with the Government Pleader or Panel Advocates to ensure case files are complete and that legal representatives have the documentation necessary to represent the Administration effectively. The Administration also instructed Heads of Departments to order their Nodal Officers to attend on the scheduled hearing days.
Schedule and instructions at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bench | CAT, Kolkata Bench |
| Location | Port Blair |
| Dates | September 7–18, 2026 (12 days) |
| Matters | Listed cases and fresh applications during circuit period |
The Administration's emphasis on documentation and attendance reflects the practical challenges of holding a tribunal sitting in Port Blair, where officials, legal counsels and litigants must synchronise schedules and records to make best use of the limited period the Bench will be present.
Local government departments with pending CAT litigation were asked to provide the Government Pleader and Panel Advocates with complete case records and a detailed briefing. The move aims to ensure that the Government Counsel is equipped to represent departmental interests during the physical hearings.
For residents and government employees contemplating or already engaged in service and administrative litigation, the circuit sitting represents a time‑bound opportunity to have matters heard locally. Parties intending to file fresh applications during the period should note that the Bench will entertain new matters received within the circuit dates, as indicated in the notice to the Administration.
Officials said the Administration has placed emphasis on advance coordination between departments, their designated Nodal Officers and legal representatives so that required records and case information are available when matters are taken up.
