Direct answer
Section 24 permits an applicant to appear personally or take assistance from a legal practitioner. Appearing in person does not remove responsibility for pleadings, limitation, evidence and registry compliance.
Legal position and important distinctions
A relative or acquaintance does not automatically acquire a right to practise as an advocate through an authorisation letter. Representation depends on the law and Tribunal directions. Even limited professional advice can help with complex medical causation, court-martial records or appellate deadlines. A short chronology, precise prayer and annexure references make a party-in-person presentation more focused.
Keep the case file readable
Use a chronology of the main decision, communication, representation, departmental appeal and response. Separate facts from legal submissions. Keep annexures legible and pagination accurate, and disclose earlier or pending proceedings. A large document bundle cannot cure missing grounds or an unclear prayer.
Track what follows submission
Monitor the diary acknowledgement, scrutiny objections, compliance deadline, registration and service. Check the latest cause list or order for hearing and video-appearance arrangements. Maintain current contact details and a written record of registry directions. A filing receipt does not itself establish a stay, admission or success.
Recognise time-sensitive situations
A final adverse decision, impending discharge, custody, payment stoppage or appellate deadline can require prompt advice. Explain the particular grounds and urgent harm for interim relief. General website guidance does not alter an individual statutory time limit.
Practical steps
- Confirm the party-in-person process with the registry.
- Maintain an indexed chronology, statutory provisions and documents.
- Focus the hearing on relief and relevant evidence, and record subsequent directions.
Documents to collect
- Identity and service proof
- Signed pleadings or affidavit
- Indexed records and hearing notes
Hypothetical illustration
An applicant can personally explain a wrong rank in a PPO, but should identify the PPO, supporting service record and exact correction sought.
Avoid this mistake
Personal appearance is not an exemption from filing rules, respectful conduct or timely challenge to adverse decisions.
Official sources
- Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 — sections 2, 3(o), 14–15, 19, 21–24, 29–32
- AFT (Procedure) Rules, 2008, as amended — rules 6–8, 18 and prescribed forms
Legal disclaimer
This article provides general legal information and the author’s general analysis, not individual legal advice. Reading it does not create an advocate–client relationship or guarantee an outcome. Rules, policies and judgments can change. Before acting, obtain qualified advice on your documents, applicable dates, jurisdiction and time limits.
Source check: 1 November 2026.