What was in the realm of fantasy till yesterday is now in the realm of reality thanks to the forward-looking approach adopted by the Tribunal. The Tribunal, grappling with the paucity of Members and the increasing case load, is contemplating setting up E-Courts/ E-Benches to solve the problem. The author makes suggestions on how the concept should be implemented to make it a grand success

Its’ that time of the year when Tax Officers across the Country go into a frenzy to collect taxes by fair or foul means. And with the CBDT Chairman’s brazen promise to link promotions and postings to the quantum of tax recovered, it will be a no-holds barred blood fest between the assessees and the Tax department apprehends the author. The absence of an accountability mechanism to punish the Officer in case the tax demands are held to be untenable means that there is no deterrent to prevent frivolous high-pitched assessments muses the author

On the occasion of the “Foundation Day” of the Tribunal, the author ponders over what can be done to improve the functioning of the Tribunal. Using his vast experience, he makes a check-list of the known problem areas which invariably result in adjournments & delays. The author implores professionals to be proactive in ensuring that speedy justice is delivered to the assessees. The author also gently reminds the Hon’ble Members of the immense power vested in them to do justice to the parties

The author goes ballistic over the Rolls Royce Plc vs. DDIT case and claims that Rolls Royce’s “timid surrender” against the damning findings of the AO proves that even marquee companies like Rolls Royce are not averse to pinching a few dollars from the exchequer of third world countries if they think nobody’s looking. Rolls-Royce must be prosecuted for tax fraud demands the author

On the occasion of the Bombay High Court’s 150th Anniversary, the author pays rich tribute to the judicial independence and integrity of the Bombay High Court and recollects the stellar contribution of the tax professionals in bringing glory to the High Court. This is the time for all professionals to re-dedicate themselves to the cause of the Judiciary exhorts the author

Get up to speed with the latest developments in the World of Tax. This week, the author wonders whether it is time to write an obituary for the DRP. Also another body-blow on the reopening front should shake the Babus of Aaykar Bhavan out of their reverie. And yes, don’t forget to tighten your seat belt because the CBDT Chairman’s missive on recovery might just prompt the AO to demand that you pay up that long outstanding arrear

The author argues that the adverse outcome of the Aditya Birla Nuvo matter was the result of shoddy drafting of the JV agreements by AT&T’s lawyers which the department’s lawyers exploited to the hilt. But its too early to write an obituary for the India-Mauritius DTAA says the author

The author raises the seminal question as to why, while the Tribunal has all the trappings of a Court, does it not have the power to punish for contempt. He cautions lower authorities that the lack of contempt power is no reason for not following the binding judgements of the Tribunal. He also makes a fervent plea to all practitioners to uphold the honour & dignity of the great Institution