(1)

There shall be a Tribunal, to be called the Railway Rates Tribunal, for the purpose of discharging the functions specified in this Chapter.

(2)

The Tribunal shall consist of a Chairman and two other members to be appointed by the Central Government.

(3)

A person shall not be qualified for appointment as the Chairman of the Tribunal unless he is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court and of the other two members, one shall be a person, who, in the opinion of the Central Government, has special knowledge of the commercial, industrial or economic conditions of the country, and the other shall be a person, who, in the opinion of the Central Government, has special knowledge and experience of the commercial working of the railways.

(4)

The Chairman and the other members of the Tribunal shall hold office for such period, not exceeding five years, as may be prescribed.

(5)

In case the Chairman or any other member is, by infirmity or otherwise, rendered incapable of carrying out his duties or is absent on leave or otherwise in circumstances not involving the vacation of his office, the Central Government may appoint another person to act in his place during his absence.

(6)

A person who holds office as the Chairman or other member of the Tribunal shall, on the expiration of the term of his office (not being an office to fill a casual vacancy), be ineligible for re-appointment to that office.

(7)

Subject to the provisions of sub-sections (5) and (6), the Chairman and other members of the Tribunal shall hold office on such terms and conditions as may be prescribed.

(8)

No act or proceeding of the Tribunal shall be invalidated merely by reason of—

(a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Tribunal; or

(b) any defect in the appointment of a person acting as a Chairman or other member of the Tribunal.