Justice A.J. DESAI 

Hon’ble Presiding Officer    
MESSAGE

          As the port fraternity in India is aware, the Major Port Authorities (MPA) Act, 2021, enacted by the Central Government of India, came into effect on 3 November 2021, replacing the erstwhile Major Port Trusts Act, 1963.  Under the said new Act, the tariff fixation mandate entrusted to the erstwhile Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP) was withdrawn from the said date and Major Ports have been empowered to fix tariff for services rendered by them and also for port properties.

2.       In accordance with the provisions of the MPA Act, 2021, the Central Government has constituted the Adjudicatory Board for Major Ports (ABMP) on 13 August 2025 vide Gazette Notification dated 13 August 2025

3.       Under Section 58 of the MPA Act, 2021, the ABMP exercises powers and performs functions-other than tariff setting.  These include functions arising from Tariff Guidelines of 2005, 2008, 2013, 2018, and 2019 and orders of erstwhile TAMP; adjudication of disputes between Major Ports and PPP Concessionaires within the framework of concession agreements; appraisal and review of stressed PPP projects; and consideration of complaints from port users regarding services provided by Major Ports or concessionaires and pass necessary orders.  The Board is also mandated to examine matters referred by the Central Government or Major Ports relating to port operations and issue orders or recommendations as deemed appropriate.

4.       The ABMP is vested with the same powers as a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, enabling it to effectively discharge its adjudicatory functions stipulated under the Act and relevant Rules.

5.       The Major Ports Adjudicatory Board Rules, 2023, were notified by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MOPSW) in the Gazette of India on  17 January 2023 which prescribe the rules for discharge of the functions.

6.      The draft Regulations detailing procedures for filing applications, schedule of fee and formats for filing application and the procedure to be followed for conduct of meetings by the ABMP has been hosted on the ABMP website (https://abmp.in). Feedback is sought from Major Ports, PPP Concessionaires, port users, and user associations to ensure transparency and stakeholder participation.

7.     The ABMP has promptly taken up the adjudication cases filed by the applicants before the erstwhile TAMP.

8.     To enhance transparency and efficiency, an e-filing portal is being developed to facilitate online submission of applications and to provide real-time updates to concerned parties, ensuring a seamless and accessible process.

9.       As a newly established body, the ABMP is focused on building robust institutional mechanisms, streamlining procedures and fostering a transparent, fair, and efficient adjudicatory environment in the port sector.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             (Justice A.J. Desai)    
Presiding Officer
19 November 2025