Speedy disposal of I-T cases

The Bombay High Court has directed the president of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal to frame and lay down the guidelines for speedy disposal of the matters pending before the Tax Tribunal.

Moot question before the HC was whether the order passed by the Tribunal after more than four months from the date of hearing without dealing with propositions and case laws relied by the appellant is bad in law.

The court held that the omission to make reference to the contentions canvassed can only be attributed to the delayed delivery of judgement. The court also directed that suitable guidelines should be framed and issued by the president within shortest possible time and followed by all the benches of the Tribunal.

All the revisional and appellate authorities under the I-T Act are also directed by the HC to decide the matters heard by them within three months from the date case is closed for judgement.