Section 14F of The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997
1[14F. Vacancies.-- If, for reason other than temporary absence, any vacancy occurs in the office of the Chairperson or a Member of the Appellate Tribunal, the Central Government shall appoint another person in accordance with the provisions of this Act to fill the vacancy and the proceedings may be continued before the Appellate Tribunal from the stage at which the vacancy is filled.]
Summary
- If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Chairperson or a Member for reasons other than temporary absence, the Central Government must appoint a replacement.
- The replacement must be appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
- Once the vacancy is filled, the proceedings can continue before the Appellate Tribunal from the stage at which the vacancy occurred.
- This process ensures that ongoing legal cases do not have to restart from the beginning when a tribunal member changes.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Does a temporary absence of a member, like taking a week of sick leave, trigger Section 14F of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997?
No, Section 14F explicitly applies only to vacancies arising from reasons other than temporary absence.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 14F of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, what happens to ongoing proceedings when a vacancy is filled?
Q2.When does Section 14F of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 oblige the Central Government to appoint a replacement?
Q3.Who has the authority to appoint a person to fill a vacancy under Section 14F of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997?
Q4.Under Section 14F, a replacement is appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Which other section must the government consult to ensure the new appointee is qualified?