New Delhi, Oct. 31 -- The ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) on Friday clarified that its role in the appointment process of judicial and technical members of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is only limited to administrative functions, following the Supreme Court's criticism over alleged interference in the tribunal's functioning and staff appointments. "The MCA only performs the administrative role in the conduct of the appointment process for the 63 Judicial and Technical Members of the NCLT," the ministry said in a statement. The clarification comes a day after the Supreme Court expressed concern over the ministry's involvement in the tribunal's administration, observing that the NCLT had been "completely hijacked" by the MCA. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, while hearing a matter concerning staff appointments at the tribunal, stressed the need to preserve its independence and ensure that recruitment powers remain with the NCLT president. The remarks came amid concerns over the ministry's decision to outsource recruitment of administrative personnel at the NCLT to a private company, which could affect existing contractual employees. Responding to news reports concerning the SC's observations, the ministry said the responsibilities of the MCA and NCLT should be viewed separately. "In the light of certain news reports concerning personnel matters relating to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) made by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the respective roles of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the NCLT may be seen in the context of the distinct responsibilities assigned to them," the ministry stated....