The ITAT Bar Association Mumbai and other leading bodies of tax professionals have made a detailed representation to the Ministry of Finance and others expressing their dissatisfaction against the proposed amendment in the Finance Bill, 2021 to implement a Faceless Income tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT). It is pointed out that the ITAT has been working effectively and efficiently for the last 80 years and there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. It is also stated that there appears to be a fundamental misconception as to the proposed objective for bringing the proposed amendments. They have expressed concerns if the proposed law scheme would meet the test of constitutional validity. They fear a miscarriage of justice, and are of the strong opinion that such a radical change should not be proposed without research and feedback from the stake holders. Few proposals have been laid down in the representation

The Committee is also of the opinion that Virtual Courts can be extended permanently to various Appellate Tribunals like TDSAT, IPAB, NCLAT etc., located across the country which do not require personal appearances of the parties/advocates. Permanent Virtual Courts can also be established for hearing matters relating to Administrative and other Tribunals at the time of final hearing. This will cut down the cost and increase the efficiency in disposal of the cases without being unnecessarily being adjourned. The Committee is also of the opinion that necessary Amendments may be brought in laws to legalise Virtual Courts and its proceedings without being unnecessarily challenged before Courts

Shri Pramod Kumar, the Hon’ble Vice President of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Mumbai Benches, has issued a notice dated 3rd December 2020 stating that the Mumbai benches intend to resume physical functioning, on an experimental basis and in a limited manner, with effect from 7th December, 2020. A detailed SOP has also been issued

A function will be held for Inauguration of the office-cum-residential building complex of Cuttack bench of ITAT by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji on Wednesday, 11th November at 4.30 pm. The same would be held through the mode of Video Conferencing

The Ministry Of Law & Justice has issued a press release stating that the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has made innovative and aggressive use of IT techniques to dispense faster justice in the field of Direct Taxes despite corona

Tax professionals of Hyderabad Zone of ITAT, on 22nd July, 2020, held a condolence meet through virtual mode to pay homage to four stalwarts viz.Late Honourable Justice Mr .Y.V.Anjaneyulu (Retd.), Late Honourable ShriT.Venkatappa, Vice- President, ITAT (Retd.), Late Honourable Shri S.Rajaratnam, Accountant Member, ITAT (Retd.,) and  Late  Shri D.Sitaramaiah, FCA and Ex-TTD chairman

The ITAT Mumbai Bench has released the Constitution as well as the Cause List for hearing of appeals with effect from 8th June 2020

The Income Tax Settlement Commission (ITSC) has sent the grim information that Shri S.D. Jha, the Vice-Chairman of ITsC Delhi, has been tested COVID-19 Positive. Since ITsC and the ITAT Delhi Benches are sharing office premises at the Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi on day to day basis, the ITAT Delhi Benches has taken preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 and closed down the office at Lok Nayak Bhawan for the next two working days i.e. 4th & 5th June, 2020. All cases listed for virtual hearing on 4th & 5th June 2020 before ITAT Delhi are adjourned sine-die and the next date of hearing will be announced in due course