Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify which group of civil or defense employees is excluded from the jurisdiction of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
We need to look at the statutory exemptions under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985.
Step 2: Key Principle / Approach:
Under Section 2 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, certain classes of government employees, including the members of the armed forces, are excluded from the Act's application.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was established under Article 323A of the Constitution to adjudicate disputes concerning the recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts.
• Section 2 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 lists the exemptions from the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.
• It specifically excludes any member of the naval, military, or air forces, or any other armed forces of the Union.
• Officers of the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Administrative Service (IAS) are members of the All India Services and fall directly within CAT's primary jurisdiction, making options (A) and (B) incorrect.
• Officers of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) are members of the Central Civil Services and are also covered by CAT, making option (D) incorrect.
• Armed Forces personnel have their own specialized service tribunals, such as the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) established under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Officers of the Indian Armed Forces are outside the jurisdiction of the Central Administrative Tribunal, corresponding to Option (C).