( 1 ) HEARD Sri V. B. Singh, learned Senior Advocate and Sri P. S. Bhagel Advocate for petitioner, and learned Counsel for the Central Government.

( 2 ) LEARNED Counsel for respondent prays for and is granted 3 weeks to file counter-affidavit.

( 3 ) ISSUE notice to respondent Nos. 4, 5 and 6 returnable at an early date.

( 4 ) LIST peremptorily on 24. 3. 2002 on which date the petition may be finally disposed off. .

( 5 ) THE petitioner has prayed for quashing the panel prepared for the posts of Vice Chairman in various Benches of the Central Administrative Tribunal (hereinafter referred to as CAT ).

( 6 ) SECTION 6 (2) of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 states :

"a person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Vice Chairman unless he is, or has been (or is qualified to be) a Judge of a High Court; or (a) has, for at least two years, held the post of Secretary to the Government of India or any other post under the Central or a State Government carrying a scale of pay which is not less than that of a Secretary to the Government of India; or (b) has for at least five years, held the post of an Additional Secretary to the Government of india or any other post