Quasi-judicial bodies are authorities, which have powers resembling those of judicial bodies but are restricted to certain areas of expertise. Generally, the function of these bodies is to make the work of the courts easier and to reduce the burden of the local courts. Examples: National Green
Tribunal, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Central Administrative Tribunal, National Human Rights Commission etc.
Similarities between the judicial and quasi-judicial bodies:

• Like courts, these bodies have full power to adjudicate on the matters that come before them.
• Similar to courts, their decisions are binding, with provision of an appeal lying to their order.
• Both are manned by experts from the legal field.
• Both the bodies work with an aim to deliver timely justice to masses.

Although their powers resemble those of the judicial bodies, there are important points of distinction between the two:

• Quasi-judicial bodies are non-judicial bodies, which have the powers of interpreting the law. They are given powers and procedures resembling those of a court of law or judge, and are obliged to provide the basis of an official action.
• They partly function like the court, i.e. they have the power of the courts to adjudicate or pronounce decisions but they are not strictly bound by the procedures that should be followed by the courts.
• Unlike judicial bodies, they are restricted to certain areas of expertise. They are constituted for a special matter with people well versed in their respective streams.
• Quasi-judicial bodies needn’t adhere to strict judicial rules (of procedure and evidence) but the ordinary courts have to strictly adhere to these policies.
• Quasi-judicial bodies can hold formal hearings only if they are mandated to do so as per their governing laws.

Quasi-judicial bodies serve as an important organ in the justice delivery system. They act as a speedy trial mechanism as they deliver justice in a fast manner as the judgements that are usually pronounced by them are speedier and efficient. They have a specific role to play as per their constitution and purpose and play a great role in the smooth functioning of the society.