A NEW BILL INTRODUCED BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT - AMENDMENT TO REPLACE APPELLATE AUTHORIES WITH HIGH COURTS

19th Feb 2021

The Central Government has introduced a new Bill in Lok Sabha - The Tribunal Reform Bill, 2021. The Bill consists of significant amendments to ten Statutes, and it suggests an amendment to the appellate authority by replacing it with High Courts. Citizens aggrieved by various Acts have the right to appeal to High Courts.

Below are the few Statutes which are contemplated to be amended under the above-mentioned bill:

➔ Copyright Act, 1957 - This Bill will replace the appellate tribunal with the High Court or Commercial Court. The Copyright Act will insert the definition of ‘Commercial Court’ once the bill is passed.

➔ Patent Act 1970, Trademark Act 1999, Cinematography Act and Geographical Indication of goods Act 1999 - The Bill will abolish the Appellate Board such as IPAB with High Courts. Any appeal from the decision of respective registrars or Censor Board shall be made to the High Courts.

Few more Acts, such as the Finance Act, 2017; Control Of National Highways Act 2002; Protection of plant varieties and farmer’s rights act 2001; Customs Act 1962 and Airport Authority of India act, 1994; Tribunal Reform Bill, 2021.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal