Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More Gets Five-Year Tenure as CAT Chairman, Centre Revises Earlier Four-Year Term
The Centre has revised the tenure of Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More as Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal from four years to five years from the date of assuming charge.
The Centre has revised the tenure of Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More as Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal, extending the period of his appointment from four years to five years from the date he assumed charge. The revised decision effectively gives Justice More an additional year in office compared with the tenure specified under the earlier order.
The change marks a revision of the original terms of his appointment and provides greater clarity on the duration of his tenure as head of the Central Administrative Tribunal, commonly known as CAT. Under the earlier order, his tenure had been extended only up to September 8, 2026, but the latest decision replaces that arrangement with a five-year tenure calculated from the date he took charge.
Centre Revises Earlier Tenure Order
Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More has been serving as Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal, a specialised judicial body that deals primarily with service-related disputes involving employees of the Union Government and other covered public authorities.
The Centre’s latest decision changes the tenure condition attached to his appointment. Instead of limiting his tenure to the previously specified date, the revised order provides for a period of five years from the date of assumption of charge.
The practical effect is significant. Since the earlier order had provided for his tenure only until September 8, 2026, the revised arrangement allows Justice More to continue in the post for an additional year beyond the earlier four-year framework.
Five Years From Date of Assumption of Charge
The revised order uses the date of assumption of charge as the starting point for calculating the tenure. This is different from simply specifying a fixed calendar date for the end of the appointment and means that the five-year period will be determined by reference to the date on which Justice More formally assumed charge as Chairman of CAT.
Under the earlier arrangement, his tenure had been extended up to September 8, 2026. The new decision effectively supersedes that limited tenure provision by stipulating a five-year term from the date of assumption of charge.
The move ensures that the tenure is aligned with the revised five-year period approved by the Centre. It also gives Justice More another year to continue leading the tribunal and overseeing its functioning.
Important Role of Central Administrative Tribunal
The Central Administrative Tribunal was established to adjudicate disputes and complaints relating to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union and other authorities covered under its jurisdiction.
CAT deals with matters that can have a direct impact on government employees, including issues relating to appointments, promotions, seniority, disciplinary proceedings, service conditions and other employment-related disputes. Its benches operate across different parts of the country, providing a specialised forum for resolving such cases.
The Chairman occupies the top administrative and judicial position within the tribunal. The office therefore carries substantial responsibility, particularly in ensuring that the tribunal’s benches function effectively and that service matters are dealt with within the judicial framework applicable to CAT.
Justice More’s continuation in the post provides stability at the leadership level of the tribunal at a time when the institution continues to handle a large volume of service-related litigation.
Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More
Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More is a former judge of the Bombay High Court and has served in the judiciary before taking up his present responsibility at CAT. His judicial experience forms an important part of his role as Chairman of the tribunal.
As Chairman, he is responsible not only for judicial and quasi-judicial functions but also for the broader administrative functioning of the tribunal. The position involves overseeing the institution’s functioning and coordinating with its various benches and administrative structures.
The revised tenure now gives him a longer period in which to continue discharging these responsibilities.
Earlier Order Had Set September 8, 2026
The latest decision becomes particularly noteworthy because of the date mentioned in the earlier order. Under that arrangement, Justice More’s tenure had been extended only up to September 8, 2026.
Had that provision remained unchanged, his tenure as CAT Chairman would have ended on that date. The revised decision instead shifts the basis of calculation from the earlier fixed end date to a five-year period beginning from his assumption of charge.
As a result, the revised arrangement effectively adds another year to his tenure. The change is not merely a routine continuation of the earlier order but a revision of the applicable tenure period.
Additional Year in Office
The extension means Justice More will now have the opportunity to remain at the helm of CAT for an additional year compared with the earlier four-year tenure framework. The Centre’s decision provides continuity in the leadership of the tribunal and avoids the need for an immediate transition at the top.
For an institution dealing with a broad range of government service disputes, continuity in senior leadership can be important. The Chairman’s office is closely linked to the overall administration of the tribunal, including coordination among benches and management of institutional responsibilities.
The revised five-year term therefore provides a longer window for Justice More to continue his work and oversee the tribunal’s functioning.
Revised Order Changes Tenure Calculation
The key point in the latest development is the method used to calculate the tenure. Rather than continuing with the earlier provision that ended on September 8, 2026, the Centre has now specified a five-year term beginning from the date Justice More assumed charge.
This distinction matters because the revised order effectively recalculates the period of appointment. The result is an additional year in office compared with the earlier four-year arrangement.
The change also removes uncertainty surrounding the immediate future of the CAT leadership. Justice More’s continuation is now backed by the revised five-year tenure approved by the Centre.
Continuity at the Tribunal’s Top Level
The decision comes as an important administrative development for CAT. The tribunal serves a specialised role in India’s judicial and administrative system, dealing with service matters involving government employees and other covered personnel.
With Justice More continuing for the revised five-year period, the tribunal will retain the benefit of his judicial experience and familiarity with its functioning. His extended tenure also provides institutional continuity while allowing the tribunal to continue its work under established leadership.
The Centre’s decision to revise the tenure from four years to five years therefore has both an immediate and longer-term administrative impact. Justice More, who would earlier have completed his tenure on September 8, 2026, will now continue as Chairman for an additional year under the revised terms.
The latest order thus represents a clear change in the terms of his appointment. Justice Ranjit Vasantrao More’s tenure as Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal has been revised to five years from the date of assumption of charge, replacing the earlier four-year framework and giving him an additional year to continue in the position.
