The ITAT held that a stay of demand can only be granted u/s...

The ITAT held that a stay of demand can only be granted u/s 254(2A) subject to deposit of 20% of disputed demand or furnishing security. The Tribunal cannot violate statutory provisions. The power to grant stay u/s 254(2A) must be read with 254(1) to avoid redundancy. A conditional stay may be granted even when issues are covered by judicial precedents in favor of the assessee. In this case, with a large attachment in place, no further payment is required. If the attachment is lifted, the assessee must deposit 20% of the outstanding liability. The assessee must cooperate and not delay the appeal process. The stay order is valid for 180 days or until appeal disposal, with no unnecessary adjournments allowed.