<h1>Tax dispute backlog worth Rs 6.85 lakh crore; Chief Justice urges reforms in appointments, staffing, technology and case management</h1> The chief justice warned that tax disputes totaling Rs 6.85 lakh crore remain pending before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), describing pendency as a major problem despite a reduction in case numbers over five years. He urged comprehensive reforms-transparent appointment procedures, sensible eligibility and tenure conditions, systematic induction and continuing education, improved case management, technology upgrades, stable secretariat support, and adequate staffing-to enhance consistency and credibility. He also recommended early identification of conflicting decisions via special benches or internal references to prevent erosion of legal certainty and strengthen tribunal efficiency.