In a shocking display of administrative delay, Goods and Service Tax Appellate Tribunals (GSTAT), which were announced six months ago, are yet to be established, leaving taxpayers in Gujarat in a state of despair.
Over ₹5,000 crore worth of GST-related cases remain stuck in courts, further exacerbating the woes of businesses and individuals alike.
The lack of a dedicated GST Tribunal has forced taxpayers to appeal against the Commissioner’s orders in the high court, adding to the already overwhelming backlog of cases. With thousands of petitions piling up, justice remains a far-fetched reality, and taxpayers are left without a proper avenue for redressal.
Taxpayers Frustrated: Where is the GST Tribunal?
The Central Government’s announcement of setting up GST Tribunals was supposed to bring relief to those struggling with GST-related legal battles. However, despite half a year passing since the declaration, no concrete steps have been taken towards its implementation. The absence of a functional appellate body has left tax professionals and business owners in a state of uncertainty and distress.
On one hand, GST officials continue to conduct aggressive raids and issue hefty tax demands, but when taxpayers seek justice, they often find the GST Appellate Commissioner siding with the authorities. This imbalance in the system has led to growing discontent among taxpayers, who have no choice but to escalate their appeals to the high court, leading to excessive legal costs and prolonged case resolutions.
Government Inaction Sparks Outrage
Despite repeated calls from taxpayers, business groups, and tax professionals, both the Central and State Governments have failed to address this urgent issue. The delay in forming GST Tribunals raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to providing fair and timely justice to taxpayers.
Industry experts believe that the establishment of GST Tribunals could significantly ease the burden on high courts and expedite pending cases. However, with no clear timeline in sight, the frustration among taxpayers continues to mount.
Will the Government Act Before It’s Too Late?
With tax-related litigations running into thousands of crores and businesses struggling with unresolved disputes, the big question remains: When will the government take action? Until the GST Tribunals are operational, taxpayers will continue to suffer, legal battles will keep dragging on, and faith in the system will keep eroding.
It’s time for authorities to stop delaying and start delivering!
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