INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNALS IN NEW STATES

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The Centre is contemplating to set up Benches of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in the three newly created States of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttaranchal. This follows representations from Bar Associations and Citizens’ Forums of these States for setting up of Benches of the ITAT.

Meanwhile, a beginning has been made in Jharkhand with a Circuit Bench camping at Ranchi periodically to hear and dispose of appeals relating to the State.

The ITAT, set up on January 25, 1941 has 53 Benches, each Bench comprising two Members (one Judicial and the other Accountant) all over the country. These Benches today cover the seat of every High Court and State Capital.

There has been a substantial decline in the arrears figures. As against a high of 3,02,349 cases in December 1998, it came down to 2,43,517 cases in January 2001 and reduced further to 1,95,996 cases as on September 1, 2002.