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Justice Rajesh Bindal Appointed NCLAT Chairman For Five Years (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Centre has appointed former Supreme Court judge Rajesh Bindal as chairperson of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Thursday for a five-year tenure. The appointment comes months after Justice Ashok Bhushan completed his tenure as the appellate tribunal's chairperson on July 4, 2026.
Justice Bindal retired from the Supreme Court on April 15, 2026, after serving at the country's highest court for more than three years. His appointment marks a new chapter in his distinguished judicial career, which has included several key positions across the country's higher judiciary.
Before his elevation to the Supreme Court in February 2023, Justice Bindal served as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. He also held the position of Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court and the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court during his judicial career.
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His experience across multiple High Courts and the Supreme Court comes at a significant time for the NCLAT, which hears appeals involving company law, insolvency and other corporate matters.
Following Justice Bhushan's retirement, Justice Yogesh Khanna, a judicial member of the appellate tribunal, assumed charge as officiating chairperson from July 5. The Central government subsequently extended his tenure in October.
Justice Bindal's appointment now brings a new leadership arrangement to the tribunal after the period of interim charge.
The appointment comes amid recent scrutiny by the Supreme Court of the functioning of the NCLAT and other tribunals.
Last week, the top court raised concerns over the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' control over tribunals, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarking that the ministry had “completely hijacked” the institutions.
A bench comprising CJI Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana called for granting the presidents of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and NCLAT complete autonomy over appointments.
As an interim measure, the bench suggested deputation, followed by phased regular recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
During the hearing, the CJI expressed concern about the ministry's influence over appointing judicial and technical members.
Justice Bindal's appointment comes as the Supreme Court continues to examine questions concerning the independence, recruitment and administrative functioning of tribunals, including the NCLAT.
