'In India AFT has both original and appellate jurisdiction which UK & USA lack even today': Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Government of India is committed and working continuously to make the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) more empowered and responsive so that the goals with which the Tribunal was set up can be achieved.

He pointed out that "in India, Armed Forces Tribunal has both Original and Appellate Jurisdiction whereas, in developed countries like UK and USA, even today AFTs only have appellate jurisdiction".

Addressing the gathering at a national seminar titled 'Introspection: Armed Forces Tribunal' organised by the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) Principal Bench Bar Association, the Union Minister stated that the GOI is working towards implementing measures that were required in the direction of making AFT more responsive.

"The work to fill the vacancies at AFT benches is almost complete and soon there will remain no vacancies there," he assured.

The minister further stated that it is often said that the judiciary is a strong pillar of democracy, however, seldom it is discussed as to what are the foundations/pillars of the judiciary itself.

"I would say the foundation of the judiciary are the officers of the court and lawyers. They are the reasons for a common person to believe that lawyers and courts combined will bring fair and impartial justice to him," he stated.

The Union Minister added that advocacy is not just a profession, it is a responsibility towards society and Armed Forces Tribunal Bar council is discharging it well.

At the event, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju also spoke. He said that while justice is every citizen's right and the government is duty bound to provide the same, however, if justice to the Armed force members and their families is delayed even a little bit, then it would be a grave injustice.

He said, "When one wears a uniform and serves the nation, there are many issues that can arise during and after service, like pension, etc. which must be resolved quickly. Normal courts have many formalities and tribunals like AFT were brought into existence to ease this process."

Therefore, stressing the need to use technology for the purpose, he added that the government would do everything it can for quick delivery of justice.

AFT chairperson Justice Rajendra Menon, Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee and Senior Advocate Colonel R Balasubramanian were also at the event.