8. What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.(CSE Mains 2016)GS-II 2016.

8. What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of concrete examples.(CSE Mains 2016)GS-II 2016.

A quasi-judicial body is arbitrator or tribunal board, having powers and procedures resembling those of a court of law or judge. It examines facts and evidence to draw conclusions to provide basis for official action.


Some prominent Quasi judicial bodies are

• Finance commission (Article 280): It is a constitutional Quasi judicial body it determines and recommends the distribution of net proceeds of taxes it also recommends the principles governing the distribution of grants to States.
• National Human Rights Commission and State Human Rights Commission: They're  statutory Institutions established under the Human rights act,1993. They look into allegations of human rights violations and provide redressal to citizens. They act as Watchdog of Human Rights in the country.
• Central information commission and state information commission: devar established by The Right to Information act 2005 they provide redressal Avenue for grievances arising from the improper faulty implementation of the act
• Income Tax appellate Tribunal adjudicates disputes regarding tax deduction and calculation
• Sales tax appellate Tribunal
• Banking ombudsman
• Insurance ombudsman
• Income Tax ombudsman
• Intellectual property appellate Tribunal
• National consumer disputes redressal Commission
• State consumer disputes redressal Commission

Quasi judicial bodies are effective in seeking resolutions and reduce delay. They are not bound by precedents. Thus Quasi judicial bodies are guided by the principles of natural justice and enable speedy justice.