Supreme Court Addresses Vacancies in ITAT

The Supreme Court is addressing the issue of vacancies in Income Tax Appellate Tribunals (ITATs) as highlighted by the Bangalore Bar Association (BBA). Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud assured an early hearing on the matter. The ITAT handles appeals under direct tax laws and operates 63 branches nationwide.

The Supreme Court on Friday took note of concerns raised by a Bengaluru-based bar body regarding vacancies in Income Tax Appellate Tribunals (ITATs).

During a session with Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, a representative from the Bangalore Bar Association (BBA) highlighted the issue of unfilled positions in the city's ITAT.

Chief Justice Chandrachud responded, stating, "We are seized of the matter... we will look into the issue of pending vacancies," and assured an expedited hearing. The ITAT is responsible for handling appeals under direct tax laws, with orders appealable in high courts. Initially based in Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, ITAT now has 63 branches across 30 cities nationwide. It comprises 126 members, including a president, senior vice-president, nine vice-presidents, and 115 judicial and accountant members. Each bench is made up of one judicial and one accountant member.

(With inputs from agencies.)