- The Supreme Court criticized the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for allegedly 'hijacking' staff appointments and infrastructure requirements in the NCLT and NCLAT. - Proposals regarding staff and infrastructure intended for the President of the NCLT/NCLAT have faced administrative interference by the executive branch. - The case highlights ongoing tensions concerning the independence of tribunals and executive overreach in quasi-judicial institutional frameworks. - **National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT):** A quasi-judicial body established under the Companies Act, 2013, to handle corporate civil disputes, insolvency resolutions, and company law matters in India. - **National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT):** The appellate body that hears appeals against orders passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the Companies Act and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. - **Corporate Affairs Ministry:** The Union government ministry responsible for the administration of the Companies Act, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and related corporate governance laws and regulatory bodies in India. - **Supreme Court:** The apex constitutional court of India, tasked with judicial review and safeguarding the fundamental rights, rule of law, and separation of powers. **Introduction** The Supreme Court raised serious concerns over the Ministry of Corporate Affairs taking over staff appointments and infrastructure decisions meant for the NCLT and NCLAT, emphasizing threats to judicial independence within tribunals. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Supreme Court criticized the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for allegedly 'hijacking' staff appointments and infrastructure requirements in the NCLT and NCLAT. - Proposals regarding staff and infrastructure intended for the President of the NCLT/NCLAT have faced administrative interference by the executive branch. - The case highlights ongoing tensions concerning the independence of tribunals and executive overreach in quasi-judicial institutional frameworks. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT):** A quasi-judicial body established under the Companies Act, 2013, to handle corporate civil disputes, insolvency resolutions, and company law matters in India. - **National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT):** The appellate body that hears appeals against orders passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the Companies Act and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. - **Corporate Affairs Ministry:** The Union government ministry responsible for the administration of the Companies Act, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and related corporate governance laws and regulatory bodies in India. - **Supreme Court:** The apex constitutional court of India, tasked with judicial review and safeguarding the fundamental rights, rule of law, and separation of powers.