Service matter can be defined as all matters relating to the conditions of his service in connection with the affairs of the Union or of any State or of any local or other authority within the territory of India or under the control of the Government of India, or, as the case may be, of any corporation (or society) owned or controlled by the Government. It also covers the following elements which are part and parcel of the terms and conditions of the employment :
(i) Remuneration (including allowances), pension and other retirement benefits
(ii) Tenure including confirmation, seniority, promotion, reversion, premature retirement and
superannuation
(iii) Leave of any kind
(iv) Disciplinary matters; or
(v) Any other matter whatsoever;”
Service matters can be further classified into two categories i.e. Military Service Law and Administrative Service Law.
Whereas the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) exercises Jurisdiction over matters pertaining to Military Service Law, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) exercises Jurisdiction over Administrative Service Matters.