The Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 (AFT Act) was enacted by the Indian Parliament to establish a specialized judicial body—the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)—for adjudicating disputes related to the service conditions of armed forces personnel and appeals against court-martial decisions. The Act came into force on 15th June 2008, following a notification by the Central Government. The AFT was created to provide an independent, quasi-judicial forum for military personnel, reducing the burden on civil courts and High Courts under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution.
Before the AFT’s establishment, service-related grievances and court-martial appeals were handled by:
Civil Courts – Limited jurisdiction over military matters.
High Courts – Under writ jurisdiction (Article 226), but delays were common.
Internal Military Mechanisms – Often perceived as lacking independence.
The Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, represents a landmark reform in India’s military justice system, balancing the disciplinary needs of the armed forces with the rights of personnel. While it has streamlined dispute resolution, ongoing reforms—such as filling vacancies and strengthening enforcement—are needed to maximize its effectiveness. The AFT remains a critical institution for upholding justice within the armed forces while maintaining operational discipline.
The Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 (Act No. 55 of 2007).
Reports of the Committee on Armed Forces Tribunal (2004).
Judicial rulings on AFT jurisdiction (e.g., Union of India vs. Major General Shri Kant Sharma, 2015).