3 days ago
Parliamentary panel urges timely filling of ITAT vacancies
A parliamentary committee examined how tribunals are working.
It said the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal does not have enough people in several important jobs.
The tribunal is allowed to have 126 members, but only 98 were working as of May 1, 2026.
Sixteen more candidates have completed recruitment.
The committee said missing staff can delay hearings and court paperwork.
It asked the government and other agencies to fill empty jobs regularly and quickly.
It also suggested keeping a waiting list when selected candidates do not join or leave soon.
The committee wants the tribunal to improve its buildings and offices as well.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Personnel urged continuous, timely filling of vacancies at the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.
The ITAT has a sanctioned strength of 126 members, but 98 were in position as of May 1, 2026.
Recruitment has been completed for 16 additional tribunal-member candidates, according to the report.
The committee said shortages among members, registry officials and support staff disrupt hearings, records, administration and case disposal.
It also called for stronger infrastructure, including a permanent modern Mumbai headquarters and timely completion of projects in Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Guwahati.
- Who
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Personnel, the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and agencies responsible for recruitment and legal affairs.
- What
- The committee recommended timely filling of ITAT member, registry and support-staff vacancies, along with manpower reviews and infrastructure improvements.
- Where
- The recommendations concern ITAT operations across the country, including infrastructure in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Guwahati.
- When
- The report was published on August 30, 2026; staffing figures cited in it were current as of May 1, 2026.
- Why
- The committee said staff shortages affect hearing schedules, record preparation, court proceedings, administrative supervision and overall case disposal.
Key facts
- Tribunal
- Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT)
- Sanctioned member strength
- 126 members, including the president and 10 zonal vice-presidents
- Members in position
- 98 as of May 1, 2026
- Additional recruitment
- Recruitment completed for 16 more candidates
- Staffing concerns
- Vacancies include the Registrar and registry and support posts such as Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Senior Private Secretary and Private Secretary
- Proposed recruitment measure
- A reserve panel or waiting list for selected Group B and C candidates
- Infrastructure priorities
- A permanent modern headquarters in Mumbai and completion of projects in Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Guwahati
Quotes
Standing Committee on Law and Personnel
Parliamentary committee reviewing the functioning of tribunals in India
“The committee also recommends that periodic manpower assessments be undertaken to evaluate staffing requirements across judicial, registry and support cadres and that vacancies be filled proactively so that administrative constraints do not impede the efficient delivery of justice,”
thehindubusinessline.com
“The Committee is of the view that the efficiency of a judicial institution depends not only on the availability of Members but also on the adequacy of registry, administrative and support staff.””
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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