Evolution of Appellate Remedies in Indian Income Tax Law : Clause 356 of the Income Tax Bill, 2025 Vs. Section 246 of the Income-tax Act, 1961

Appellate scope reform consolidates appealable orders, enables faceless appeals and transfers while preserving rehearing safeguards.

Clause 356 prescribes an exhaustive list of appealable orders before the Joint Commissioner (Appeals), defines 'status' by cross reference, prohibits appeals where orders are passed by or with approval of authorities above Deputy Commissioner, and empowers the Board to transfer appeals between JCIT(A) and Commissioner (Appeals) with a mandated opportunity of rehearing. It formally enables a government notified faceless disposal scheme-permitting elimination of physical interface and modification of procedural provisions-and authorizes the Board to exclude specified cases or classes from the section's operation.