President Pranab Mukherjee today said that rising tax disputes call for innovative tax litigation management to add to the country's growth story. Mr Mukherjee said, with the development of Indian economy, the direct taxes and number of tax payers have increased manifold which have put pressures on the tax dispute redressal system. He was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, ITAT in New Delhi today. <br/><br/>The President highlighted transfer pricing, taxation of digital economy and international taxation as the frontier areas of taxation. He said, special skills are required to deal with disputes and to keep India globally competitive in the tax judiciary system.<br/><br/>The President further said tax disputes resolution will help in promoting investments and attracting business. Citing a World Bank Group Report, He said, India is ranked at 130 in the ease of doing business and it must be improved. He said, ITAT can contribute to the growth story of the country through speedy justice, consistent orders, fair approach and business-oriented litigation management system.<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice of India Justice T S Thakur today said the government should expedite the process of filling up vacancies to ensure speedy delivery of justice. Expressing concern about delay in the appointment in the higher judiciary and tribunals Justice Thakur said, the delay in the filling up of the vacancies is bound to affect adversely the working of tribunals. Stating that the process of filling up the vacancies is initiated by the government, Mr Thakur said only 30 persons have been appointed in ITAT out of a list of 50 candidates recommended about two years ago. Expressing satisfaction over the time taken for justice delivery by ITAT, he said the tribunal takes ordinarily between 6 months to 2 years for disposal of appeals, which in comparison to the ordinary judicial process in high courts and the Supreme Court is very very encouraging. He said, this could be further reduced if the appointments are made on time.<br/>According to the latest Law Ministry data, out of the approved strength of 1,044 judges in 24 high courts, there are 443 vacancies. With an approved strength of 31 judges, the Supreme Court has 5 vacancies.

President Pranab Mukherjee today said that rising tax disputes call for innovative tax litigation management to add to the country's growth story. Mr Mukherjee said, with the development of Indian economy, the direct taxes and number of tax payers have increased manifold which have put pressures on the tax dispute redressal system. He was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, ITAT in New Delhi today. <br/><br/>The President highlighted transfer pricing, taxation of digital economy and international taxation as the frontier areas of taxation. He said, special skills are required to deal with disputes and to keep India globally competitive in the tax judiciary system.<br/><br/>The President further said tax disputes resolution will help in promoting investments and attracting business. Citing a World Bank Group Report, He said, India is ranked at 130 in the ease of doing business and it must be improved. He said, ITAT can contribute to the growth story of the country through speedy justice, consistent orders, fair approach and business-oriented litigation management system.