Court Directs Expedited Resolution of Long-Pending Income Tax Appeals

The court addressed the petitioner's concerns regarding the prolonged pendency of income tax appeals dating back 10 to 16 years. It directed the Tribunal's President or Senior Vice President to expedite the hearing process and ensure prompt final orders, preferably within four months. The court also instructed the President to provide detailed information on old cases' pendency, including a tabular statement on appeals pending over 5 years in each Bench and an action plan for disposal within set priorities. The case was scheduled for listing to streamline the adjudication process and resolve the petitioner's concerns promptly.

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Issues:
Delay in disposal of income tax appeals filed by the petitioner for assessment years 10 to 16 years ago.

Analysis:
The petitioner raised concerns regarding the prolonged pendency of income tax appeals dating back 10 to 16 years. The court acknowledged the delay and directed the President or Senior Vice President of the Tribunal to expedite the hearing process. The court emphasized the need for final orders in all these appeals to be announced promptly, preferably within four months from the date of the judgment.

Furthermore, the court, while addressing the petitioner's grievance, instructed the President of the Tribunal to provide detailed information on the pendency of old cases. Specifically, the court requested a tabular statement outlining the number of appeals pending for over 5 years in each Bench. Additionally, an action plan detailing the likely time frame for the disposal of these appeals, considering the priorities set by the ITAT, was mandated to be submitted within 8 weeks.

The case was scheduled for listing on 17.07.2019, with the directive for the issuance of necessary documents under the signatures of the Court Master. The judgment aimed to streamline the adjudication process for long-pending income tax appeals and ensure timely resolution of the petitioner's concerns.

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