50 years of Journal of the Chamber of Tax Consultants (Chamber’s Journal)
Dr. K. Shivaram, Senior Advocate.
Tribute and Vision – Celebrating 50 years of Chamber’s Journal and Charting the path ahead. (1975 -2025 )
1. Editorial: A summary of the speech delivered on the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Chamber’s Journal, held on 25th April 2025 at IMC Mumbai.
I had the privilege of serving the Chamber’s Journal for 9 years. I sincerely express my gratitude to the dedicated professionals and staff of the Chamber, whose efforts have contributed to the Journal’s remarkable 50-year journey. I also extend heartfelt thanks to the many professionals whose valuable contributions have helped shape the Journal into one of the most prestigious publications in our country.
- Acknowledgement of gratitude.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Hitesh Shah, Manager of the Chamber, for his constant support and dedication. Before him, we were fortunate to have the guidance of the late Mr. Vasnadani, whose contributions were deeply valued. A special note of appreciation goes to Mr. Rajesh Bhagat and his team, who have been associated with the Chamber’s Journal for over three decades, playing a vital role in its continued excellence.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all eleven editors of the Chamber’s Journal, whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping its legacy. They truly deserve special acknowledgement for their dedication and service:
- Late Shri Arvind Thakkar
- Late Shri B.C. Joshi, Advocate
- CA Chetan Karia
- Late Shri H.K. Sajnani, Advocate
- K. Shivaram, Senior Advocate
- Shri K. Gopal, Advocate
- Shri K.K. Ramani, Advocate
- Shri Keshav Bhujle, Advocate
- Late Shri V.H. Patil, Advocate
- CA Vipul Chokshi
- Shri Vipul Joshi, Advocate
Their collective efforts have greatly contributed to the Journal’s growth and reputation as a leading professional publication.
I sincerely appreciate the invaluable contributions of the Journal Committee members during my tenure as Editor. Their dedication and behind-the-scenes efforts were vital to the Journal’s success. I am especially grateful to Mr. Mitesh Kotecha, Mr. Pradip Kapasi, Mr. Ninad Karpe, Mr. Sanjay Parikh, Mr. Chetan Karia, Mr. Paresh P. Shah, Mr. Maur Desai, Mr. Atul Maturia, Mr. Pravin Veera, Mr. Kishor Vanjara, Mr. Anish Thacker, Mr. K. Gopal, Mr. Pravin Mahru, Mr. M. Subramanian, Mr. Yatin Vyavaharkar, Mr. Jayant Ghokale, and many others for their unwavering support.
- Unique feature of the Journal–Special issues.
In July/August 1987, we introduced the concept of the “Special Issue” for the first time, with our inaugural edition focusing on “Prosecution under the Income-tax Act, 1961.” The most recent Special Issue, published in April 2025, is titled “Special Features on Trends in International Tax Interpretation.” As of April 2025, the Chamber has published a total of 352 Special Issues – each serving as a valuable reference for tax professionals. For the benefit of readers, Advocate Neelam Jadav has compiled a comprehensive list of all Special Issues, which is available for ready reference on www.itatonline.org.
Some of the landmark Special Issues are:
- Model Deeds – the 35th Special Issue, released by Shri S.E. Dastur, Senior Advocate and Past President.
- Vision 2000 – Tax Laws and Tax Administration – the 45th Special Issue, featuring views of high taxpayers, published under the Presidentship of Mr. Keshav Bhujle.
- 50 Landmark Judgments – the 51st Special Issue, released by the then Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Hon’ble Justice Mr. M.B. Shah, at Hotel West End. This issue was dedicated to 50 years of India’s independence and was published under the presidency of Mr. Subash Shetty.
- Tax judges
In the earlier days, we used to send copies of the Chamber’s Journal to the Judges of the Tax Bench of the Bombay High Court. Notably, former Chief Justice of India, Hon’ble Justice Shri S.H. Kapadia, was a regular reader of our Journal. This reflects the wide reach and credibility the Journal has earned over the years.
5. Editorial
Let me share with the readers that one of our editorials was cited in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Supreme Court of India, highlighting the influence and relevance of our content. Similarly, when the Voluntary Disclosure Scheme was challenged before the Bombay High Court, the Revenue Department relied on our editorial to support the scheme. These instances underscore the credibility and impact of the Chamber’s Journal in shaping legal and policy discourse.
My senior, Shri V.H. Patil, always wrote editorials straight from the heart. One particularly memorable piece was his editorial on Shri S.P. Mehta, published in the year 1990, in Volume 15 of the Chamber’s Journal–
“Shri S.P. Mehta was a great source of inspiration to all to try to become a noble professional. Today, the Tax Bar is more idealistic compared to bars of other branches of law; this is because the tax bar was fortunate to have great idealistic leaders like Shri S.P. Mehta“
6. Thought for consideration – “Conventions, code of ethics and accountability of the tax profession”
Many young professionals today are not sufficiently aware of the conventions, code of ethics, and accountability that form the foundation of the tax profession. When we joined the field, especially in High Court practice, the Chamber culture strongly emphasised values and professional conduct, guided by senior mentors. Sadly, this culture is now fading.
In courtrooms, we often see a lack of decorum—such as reading newspapers, turning one’s back to the bench, wearing coats, or casual chatting during proceedings—mainly due to a lack of guidance.
To address this, the Chamber could consider a Special Issue on “Conventions, Code of Ethics, and Accountability in the Tax Profession” as part of its centenary year celebrations, along with a lecture by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge to reinforce these essential principles
7. Value addition.
When we began our practice, the only magazine reporting Tribunal judgments was titled “Taxes and Planning.” It served as a key resource for tax professionals at the time. As we move forward, it is important to reflect on how we can continue to add value for our readers and address the evolving needs of the tax profession.
- Coordination with a sister organisation.
Mr. Narayan Varma, Chartered Accountant and Past President of the Chamber, was a great visionary in the tax profession. He often reminded us that we must work in complement with sister organisations, not in competition. In that spirit, it may be worth considering the idea of holding at least one joint meeting of the Journal Committee with sister organisations. Such collaboration could greatly benefit the professional community and foster a more unified approach to knowledge-sharing.
9. Special issues will be continued.
Regardless of advancements in digitalisation or artificial intelligence, the Special Issues of the Chamber’s Journal will continue to be valued and appreciated for generations to come.
My best wishes to the Journal Committee and its future leadership. I am grateful to President Mr. Vijay Bhat, Editor Mr. Anish Thacker, and Chairman Mr. Ameya Kunte for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the Journal’s 50th anniversary.
The Journal Committee works tirelessly throughout the year and requires a truly dedicated team. I extend my sincere appreciation and best wishes to all its committed members.
Good luck to the President and his team.
All the best.
Thank you once again.
Dr. K. Shivaram, Senior Advocate.
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