Pursuant to a Writ Petition challenging the imposition of service tax on lawyers and the prayer seeking interim relief by way of “restraining the Respondents from giving effect to directly or indirectly or acting upon the impugned provisions or collecting any service tax on the assistance provided as an officer of the Court by an advocate“, the Andhra Pradesh High Court vide order dated 18.5.2011 has ordered “Since it is represented that the other High Courts have already granted stay in similar circumstances, there shall be interim stay, until further orders“

The Delhi Bar Association has filed a Writ Petition in the Delhi High Court being WP No. 2792 of 2011 to challenge the levy of service-tax on “Legal Consultancy Services”. The High Court has today (29th April 2011) issued notice on the Writ Petition and stayed the application of the impugned provision till the next date of hearing being 23rd May 2011

Several instructions and directions have been issued by the CBDT from time to time emphasizing upon the need for timely filing of appeals/SLPs in the Supreme Court and proper conduct of litigation. However, a number of SLPs are being filed with inordinate delay. In the wake of repeated displeasure expressed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on the present state of affairs, Ld. Attorney General for India has advised the Board to work towards a "Zero Delay Regime" in the matter of filing of appeals/SLPs

The Chief Commissioner and Commissioner concerned would be personally responsible to ensure timely filing of appeals