CJI Highlights Pendency of Cases Before Courts and Tribunals as Major Concern
Chief Justice of India urges comprehensive reforms in ITAT to address backlog, ensure consistency, and strengthen judicial efficiency.
New Delhi, Oct 9: Highlighting the huge pendency of matters as a “major problem,” Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai pointed out that disputes involving Rs 6.85 lakh crore are still awaiting consideration before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).
The CJI made these remarks at a symposium titled ‘Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Role, Challenges and Way Forward’ and during a felicitation ceremony held in the capital on Wednesday.
Justice Gavai lauded ITAT for reducing its pendency from 85,000 cases to 24,000 over the last five years, praising both tribunal members and the Bar for their cooperation. “However, matters involving disputes amounting to more than 2% of India’s GDP still lie pending before the Tribunal,” he added.
Emphasizing the need for structural and procedural reforms, the CJI stressed modernisation of ITAT through transparent appointments, consistent judgments, and investment in capacity-building to enhance credibility and efficiency. “Reform should address appointments, tenure, training, case management, and technology as interconnected components, rather than isolated measures,” he said.
Justice Gavai also highlighted the issue of conflicting rulings, warning that inconsistencies could erode public trust and hinder effective justice delivery. He suggested early identification of contradictory decisions via special benches and internal reference mechanisms to ensure uniformity in judgments.
Other key recommendations included:
Transparent appointment procedures for ITAT members.
Tenure structures that allow members to develop expertise.
Systematic induction and continuing education programmes to enhance adjudicatory skills.
Stable secretariat support, adequate registry staff, and better control over infrastructure to prevent disruptions.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and ITAT President Justice C.V. Bhadang. The CJI concluded by acknowledging ITAT’s critical role in navigating complex tax disputes and supporting the broader judicial system.
