Describe the work of the statutory bodies with example and mention in which countries they are set up.…

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Describe the work of the statutory bodies with example and mention in which countries they are set up. Explain quasi-judicial bodies, providing two examples from India.

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

Statutory bodies, created by Acts of Parliament or state legislatures for specialised regulation, include SEBI and the NHRC in India and exist in the US, UK and Australia. Quasi-judicial bodies adjudicate disputes without being courts, as with the National Green Tribunal (NGT Act, 2010) and the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions.

**Introduction**

Statutory and quasi-judicial bodies are key to specialized adjudication and regulatory oversight, reducing judicial backlog and enhancing governance. They ensure timely justice and regulatory compliance, which strengthens democratic administration.

**1. Statutory Bodies: Legal Framework and Examples**

1. **Defined Legal Foundation**: Statutory bodies like SEBI (SEBI Act, 1992) and NHRC (Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993) have legal authority and domain expertise, enabling focused regulation and investigation.

2. **Global Presence and Accountability**: Similar bodies exist worldwide, e.g., US Federal Trade Commission, UK Financial Conduct Authority, and Australian Human Rights Commission. These bodies balance independence with accountability through legislative oversight and public reporting.

**2. Quasi-Judicial Bodies: Role and Challenges**

1. **Nature and Examples**: Quasi-judicial bodies such as India’s National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) adjudicate disputes with technical expertise, following natural justice but flexible procedures.

2. **Consumer Commissions and Reform Needs**: Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions resolve consumer grievances and penalise defective goods or services. Vacancies and uneven procedures weaken such bodies, so the Supreme Court has repeatedly called for tribunal reforms and the Law Commission⟦1⟧ has urged greater accountability in adjudication.

**3. Economic and Governance Impact**

1. **Andhra Pradesh⟦3⟧⟦2⟧ SPSEs**: ==SPSEs governed by statutory regulation contribute 6.69% of GSDP with a ₹88,176.83 crore turnover in 2023-24, highlighting the economic significance of statutory oversight of public resources.==

**Way Forward**

1. **Institutional Reforms**: Propose a National Tribunals Commission for oversight, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to natural justice norms.

**Conclusion**

Robust statutory and quasi-judicial bodies are crucial for timely justice and governance, requiring reforms to fulfill constitutional promises and uphold Article 39A’s mandate of justice for all.

Describe the work of the statutory bodies with example and mention in which countries they are set up. Explain quasi-judicial bodies, providing two examples from India.

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