A Writ Petition has been filed before the Hon’ble Bombay High Court by the All India Federation of Tax Practitioners (AIFTP) to challenge the constitutional validity of the Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal and other Authorities (Qualifications , Experience and other conditions of Service of Members) Rules, 2020

There will be a change in constitution Of Bombay High Court’s Tax Bench w.e.f. 09.03.2020. The revised constitution is as follows

The CBDT has vide Circular No.7/2020 dated 4th March, 2020 provided clarification on a number of controversial issues relating to the Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020

Leading legal experts like Justice R. V. Easwar (Retd), Shri Arvind Datar and others have expressed strong reservations with regard to the new rules formulated by the Government for the appointment of Members of various Tribunals, including the ITAT. The experts have opined that the rules violate the law laid down by the Supreme Court with regard to maintaining the integrity and independence of the ITAT. They has also pointed that the short tenure of appointment will discourage good professionals from joining the ITAT

The CBDT has released the official amendments to the Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020, a copy of which is available for download

The CBDT has sent a clear message to the Principal Commissioners and their subordinates that the “Vivad se Vishwas” scheme should not be treated in a casual manner by them but that they have to make efforts in the right earnest. It is stated that the performance of officers in respect of the scheme will be specifically commented upon and shall be an important factor in determining their future postings

Tax professionals expressed regret at the fact that a forthright and popular judge in the Bombay High Court resigned after being transferred during the process of elevation as Chief Justice of another Court

The Bombay High Court has conferred the prestigious designation of ‘Senior Advocate’ upon 22 advocates in recognition of their contribution to the development of law and justice. The list includes a well know Tax Advocate.

First time in the History of Income-tax, Immediately after the presentation of Budget, The Finance Minister with her team Comprising of Hon’ble Finance Secretary, Revenue Secretary, Secretary Expenditure, Chairman CBDT, Chairman CBIC,Secretary Economic Affairs, Chief Commissioners of Income -tax Mumbai and Commissioners of Income tax (Mumbai) have arranged an interactive session with the stake holders including Tax professionals

The Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Bill, 2020 is proposed to be introduced for dispute resolution related to direct taxes. The Bill is available for download