Question

Read the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: Under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, a Joint Administrative Tribunal for two or more States exercises the same jurisdiction, powers, and authority as an Administrative Tribunal for those States.
Statement 2: For the purposes of contempt, a Tribunal exercises powers similar to those of a High Court, and references to “High Court” in the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 are construed to include such Tribunals.

• A. Both Statements 1 and 2 are false
• B. Only Statement 1 is true
• C. Only Statement 2 is true
• D. Both the Statements are true

Hint:

Administrative Tribunals are “substitutes” for High Courts in service matters; hence they are vested with equivalent contempt powers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding Joint Administrative Tribunals.
Section 4(2) of the Administrative Tribunals Act states that when two or more States request, a Joint Tribunal may be set up, and it holds identical jurisdiction as separate State Tribunals.
Step 2: Understanding contempt jurisdiction.
Section 17 of the Act provides that the Tribunal enjoys powers of a High Court under the Contempt of Courts Act, meaning references to “High Court” are read as references to the Tribunal.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Both statements accurately reflect statutory provisions. Hence option (4) is correct.