Can the National Commission for Scheduled Castes issue binding directions? | Explained

National Commission for Scheduled Castes. File The story so far: The Supreme Court on Tuesday (July 28, 2026) has clarified that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) does not have adjudicatory powers under Article 338 of the Constitution and cannot issue a binding order in service disputes. While the Commission has powers similar to those of a civil court to summon witnesses, call for documents and receive evidence during an inquiry, these powers are only meant to facilitate investigations. The ruling came in a case involving promotional benefits claimed by an employee of the Mumbai Port Authority.What was the case about?The case arose from the service dispute of a stenographer, who joined the Mumbai Port Authority in 1997. She was promoted as Stenographer Grade-I from Grade