Delhi plans to activate armed forces tribunal

New Delhi: The government yesterday moved to activate the Armed Forces Tribunal by approving the creation of 31 posts for the body which will hear appeals against the judgments of military courts.

"This will pave the way for the creation of an independent adjudicating forum for dispensing cost-effective and speedy justice to armed forces personnel," Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters after a cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The posts include one of chairperson, 29 posts of members for the principal bench at New Delhi and eight regional benches, and one post of principal registrar at the principal bench, the minister said.

Once the tribunal is activated, the 9,800 plus cases pending in various high courts will be transferred to the body.

The process of setting up the body gained momentum after Defence Minister A.K. Antony assumed office in October 2006.