---
title: "Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Explained"
description: "The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) resolves service disputes for central government employees in India, ensuring fair adjudication under the 1985 Act."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/central-administrative-tribunal"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Central Administrative Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body in India that adjudicates service disputes of central government and public sector employees.
- What is the legal basis for the Central Administrative Tribunal?
- Can a CAT order be appealed to the High Court?
- Who can approach the CAT, and who is excluded?
- How does CAT procedure differ from a regular civil court?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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Example

In L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997), the Supreme Court's seven-judge bench ruled that CAT orders are subject to High Court review under Article 226, overturning the direct-appeal-to-Supreme-Court scheme of the 1985 Act.

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