In Brief
Mohammed Ansari, a Superintending Engineer in GREF (General Reserve Engineering Force), was denied non-functional financial upgradation despite completing the requisite years of service because he had not completed the mandatory two-year command posting. The Central Administrative Tribunal allowed his application, but the High Court quashed that order, holding the CAT lacked jurisdiction. The Supreme Court affirmed that GREF members, while civilian officers, are integral to the Armed Forces under Article 33 and excluded from the CAT under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985. The Court held that the Armed Forces Tribunal has jurisdiction only over court-martial appeals of GREF personnel, not service matters like financial upgradation. The High Court alone retains jurisdiction under Article 226 to address such grievances. Appeal dismissed; liberty granted to approach the High Court.
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