Panel selection of standing counsels initiated; advertisement, interviews, and performance-based recommendations required for vacant zonal slots. A fresh panel of Senior and Junior Standing Counsels will be constituted to fill vacant zonal slots for CBEC indirect taxation matters, rescinding certain prior inclusions. Eligibility follows existing Board instructions; where Chief Commissioner slots are vacant, the Review Committee will act as the Committee of Chief Commissioners. Selection requires advertisement, application scrutiny, interviews of all applicants, assessment of communication skills, overall performance as the primary criterion, and examination of reputation; recommendations must be forwarded to the Board within the prescribed timeline.