ARMED FORCES TRIBUNAL

RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005 FOR AFT (RB) GUWAHATI

Under the Act, the Tribunal has original as well as appellate jurisdiction. In its original jurisdiction, the Tribunal has been empowered to hear and decide grievances pertaining to service matters such as those relating to remuneration, pension and other retirement benefits, tenure including Commission, appointment, enrolement, probation, confirmation, seniority, training, promotion, reversion, premature retirement, superannuation, termination of service and penal deductions among others.

In its appellate functions, the Tribunal has been empowered to decide appeals against the decisions in Court Martial proceedings. It has been given the power to enhance as well as commute sentences alongwith the authority to mitigate any punishments. Most importantly, the Tribunal will have the power to grant bail to persons placed in Military Custody.

Furthermore, the Tribunal will function as a Court of record and will have the power to punish for contempt. It will exercise powers similarly to those of a criminal court in respect of offences such as forgery, perjury and misrepresentation in the proceedings.

Retired personnel and their dependents can also approach the Tribunal for service related issues including any kind of pension.