Lok Sabha approves formation of GST Appellate Tribunal

New Delhi, Mar 25 (KNN) The Lok Sabha on Friday cleared the formation of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT).

The GST tribunal will deal with tax disputes, and also lessen the burden on the higher judiciary, which has repeatedly sought the institution of such a body.

The constitution of GSTAT has been pending since the new indirect tax regime was launched on July 1, 2017. 

According to the Finance Bill 2023, which was approved by the Lok Sabha, the government will set up a principal bench of the appellate tribunal in New Delhi which will consist of a president, a judicial member and two technical members representing the Centre and state. 

It also said that on the request of states, state benches will be set up, which will include two judicial members, and two technical members representing the Centre and state.

Experts called the creation of the tribunal a delayed but a major move to make the GST regime more efficient. 

In line with the GST law, the Union Cabinet in 2019 had cleared a proposal to set up GSTAT and its regional benches, but it could not be operationalised due to differences among members over its constitution.  (KNN Bureau)