The Income Tax Appeals Tribunal (ITAT) celebrated its 84th anniversary with a national symposium on its decisive role in India’s tax justice system and the future road map. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized ITAT’s significant contribution to India’s rise as the world’s fourth largest economy and emphasized its enduring relevance to fiscal governance.
The Income Tax Appeals Tribunal (ITAT), one of the oldest and most respected quasi-judicial bodies in India, has organized a symposium on the role, challenges and progress of the Income Tax Appeals Tribunal at the Auditorium of the High Court of Delhi, today.
While congratulating Honourable Chief Justice of India B.R Gavai, the Minister of State of the Union (Independent Commissioner) for Law and Justice and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, said ITAT has served the nation since 1941 with its successful completion to date. He said that for India fourth place in the economy has substantial contribution of ITAT. Sh Meghwal congratulated the rightful existence of the legal brotherhood at this time when ITAT is continuously evolving over time. The Union Minister highlighted the role of the Court in the provision of justice to more than 30 million plaintiffs over the years.
The Honourable Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai, thanked the legal community and shared his wisdom from his extensive experience of the role of ITAT at present.
Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, secretary of law, Department of Law, Ministry of Justice, stated that ITAT was a symbol of justice, constancy, and rational judgment. She stated that a balanced approach and the assurance of fiscal discipline are crucial. She shared valuable insights into the Tribunal’s modernization initiatives and future capacity-building plans.
The symposium included prominent speeches by Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Supreme Court of Delhi. The symposium also attended the meeting of prominent jurists, government officials and members of the legal fraternity and students to reflect on the rich heritage of the Tribunal and to discuss strategies for improving its role in India’s tax dispute resolution framework.
The evening began with traditional lamp lighting, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and equity. Justice (Retd.) C.V. Bhadang, Honourable President of ITAT, welcomed the meeting and reaffirmed the Tribunal’s unwavering commitment to respecting the rule of law in tax matters.
An informative audio and visual presentation entitled “84 Glorious Years of ITAT” describes the journey of the Tribunal since its creation in 1941, highlighting historic judgments, the evolution of tax law and the pivotal role of ITAT in providing timely and fair justice.
Shri Ajay Wadhwa, President of the ITAT Tax Bar Association (New Delhi), addressed the audience, emphasizing the vital collaboration between lawyers and the judicial bodies to strengthen the institution.
The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Honourable Chief Justice of India, Judge B.R. Gavai by the Minister of the Union for Law and Justice, recognizing his exemplary contribution as a lawyer. In his keynote speech, the Supreme Court praised the critical role of ITAT in India’s judicial system and encouraged ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, transparency and speed up the delivery of justice.
The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Shri Mahavir Singh, Vice-President (Delhi Area), ITAT, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their support. The event ended with the national anthem, followed by group photos and dinner.
This symposium demonstrated the strong synergy between the judicial, executive and legal fraternities and strengthened their common commitment to improving the integrity and effectiveness of India’s tax judicial system. (Source: PIB)