Quasi-Judicial Authority: Meaning, Features and Examples

Quasi-judicial authority is a term that describes the power or function of a non-judicial body to interpret and apply the law, or to adjudicate disputes like a court of law. Quasi-judicial authorities are usually created by statutes or regulations and operate within a specific domain of expertise or jurisdiction. They are often involved in holding hearings, conducting investigations, making decisions, or reviewing claims or rules. Their decisions may affect the legal rights, duties or privileges of specific parties, and they may be subject to judicial review by a court of law.

 

Meaning of Quasi-Judicial Authority

 

The term quasi-judicial authority is derived from the Latin word quasi, which means "as if" or "almost". It implies that such an authority is not fully judicial, but has some judicial characteristics or functions. Quasi-judicial authorities are also sometimes called administrative tribunals, arbitration panels, regulatory agencies, or statutory bodies.

 

Quasi-judicial authorities are different from judicial authorities, which are courts of law or judges that have the power to adjudicate disputes and administer justice according to the law. Judicial authorities are bound by the principles of natural justice, due process, precedent, and separation of powers. They can also create new laws in the absence of existing laws or precedents.

 

Quasi-judicial authorities are also different from administrative authorities, which are government agencies or officials that have the power to implement and enforce the law, or to perform executive functions such as policy-making, planning, regulation, or supervision. Administrative authorities do not have the power to adjudicate disputes or impose legal penalties unless they are also vested with quasi judicialquasi-judicial functions.

 

Features of Quasi-Judicial Authority

 

Quasi-judicial authorities have some common features that distinguish them from judicial and administrative authorities. Some of these features are:

 

- They have the power to interpret and apply the law to specific cases or situations.

- They have the power to adjudicate disputes between parties or to grant permissions or reliefs to parties.

- They have the power to remedy a situation or impose legal penalties on parties who violate the law or their decisions.

- They have the power to hold hearings, gather evidence, and make decisions based on the evidence presented.

- They have the power to follow their own procedures and rules of evidence, which may be less formal or strict than those followed by courts of law.

- They have the power to act as both a party and a judge in a matter, depending on their governing laws or regulations.

- They have the power to make decisions that are legally binding and enforceable on parties, subject to judicial review by courts of law.

 

Examples of Quasi-Judicial Authority

 

There are many examples of quasi-judicial authorities in different countries and domains. Some of them are:

 

- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): It is a statutory body that regulates the securities market in India. It has quasi-judicial powers to issue licenses, conduct inspections, investigate violations, impose sanctions, and adjudicate disputes relating to securities laws.

- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): It is a statutory body that protects and promotes human rights in India. It has quasi-judicial powers to inquire into complaints of human rights violations, recommend measures for their prevention or redressal, and award compensation to victims.

- National Green Tribunal (NGT): It is a statutory body that deals with environmental issues in India. It has quasi-judicial powers to hear environmental protection and conservation cases, grant relief and compensation to affected parties, and enforce its orders.

- Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT): It is a statutory body that adjudicates disputes and complaints relating to service matters of armed forces members in India. It has quasi-judicial powers to hear appeals against court martial verdicts, decide on matters of pay and pension, and grant relief and compensation to aggrieved parties.

- Central Vigilance Commission (CVC): It is a statutory body that supervises and monitors the anti-corruption activities of public servants in India. It has quasi-judicial powers to inquire into complaints of corruption, recommend disciplinary action against corrupt officials, and advise the government on anti-corruption policies.

 

Conclusion

 

Quasi-judicial authority is a concept that refers to the power or function of a non-judicial body to interpret and apply the law, or to adjudicate disputes like a court of law. Quasi-judicial authorities are usually created by statutes or regulations and operate within a specific domain of expertise or jurisdiction. They have some common features such as holding hearings, making decisions, imposing penalties, and being subject to judicial review. They play an important role in ensuring justice, fairness, and efficiency in various fields of law and administration.

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