NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed the Union government's request to refer petitions challenging the Tribunal Reforms Act to a five-judge bench. This Act establishes uniform service conditions for chairpersons and members of various tribunals. Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai, leading the bench, expressed disappointment over the government's late request, made mid-hearing after the petitioners had concluded their arguments.

CJI Gavai stated, "We do not expect the Union of India to take such a stand and play tactics with the court." He noted that the attorney general, R Venkataramani, did not mention the possibility of seeking a reference to a larger bench during the hearing. The CJI, who is set to retire in 20 days, remarked, "We will reject this application with an observation that the Union government is making attempts to avoid the bench."

The attorney general claimed that the request was made to address substantial questions of law that warranted consideration by a Constitution bench. However, CJI Gavai was firm, stating, "We did not expect the Union government to indulge in such tactics, especially by filing an application at midnight prior to the scheduled hearing."

The bench proceeded to hear the attorney general's arguments in defense of the legislation, which aims to standardize service conditions for tribunal members. The hearing has been adjourned until November 7.

In its application, the Union government argued that the case raises significant constitutional questions, including whether the Supreme Court can mandate the Union or Parliament to legislate in a specific manner without violating the separation of powers. The Centre also questioned if Parliament's legislative power could be limited by court directives from previous cases.