2012 (12) TMI 692 - HC - Income Tax

Payment of fee to the counsels appointed by CBDT - department representatives - Member explained that the admitted fee is being paid and the arrears towards the admitted fee arc expected to be cleared in the next two months. However, there appears to be some dispute of parameters which the Member says will be sorted out with the counsels themselves. The Member states that a quietus may be given to the issue as he has assured this court that there would be no laxity in the assistance rendered to the court in future. The matter already stands disposed of and hence need not be listed.

Summary

Issues involved: Court assistance, revamping system, fresh panel approval, payment of counsel fees, frequent changes in the Board.

Court Assistance and Revamping System:
The judgment addresses the issue of court assistance and revamping the system. The court notes the presence of Mr. K.P. Chowdary and Mr. Amitabh Misra, stating that necessary actions have been taken to provide better assistance to the court. It is expected that there will be no lack of proper assistance in the future. The Member assures the court that there will be no laxity in the assistance rendered.

Fresh Panel Approval:
Regarding the fresh panel, it is mentioned that the matter is pending consideration of the Law Ministry. Once the approved list is received, it will come into force. This issue is awaiting further action based on the approval process.

Payment of Counsel Fees:
The judgment discusses the payment of fees to the counsel. The admitted fee is being paid, and arrears towards the admitted fee are expected to be cleared in the next two months. However, there seems to be a dispute regarding certain parameters, which the Member assures will be sorted out with the counsels themselves. The issue of fee payment is being addressed, and steps are being taken to resolve any disputes.

Frequent Changes in the Board:
The judgment highlights the frequent changes in the Board, attributed to the short tenure of Members and the shifting of work designations within about a year. The Member acknowledges this issue and states that it is something to be dealt with by the Department itself. The Member assures the court that there will be no laxity in the future assistance provided.

In conclusion, the judgment acknowledges the actions taken to improve court assistance, pending approval for the fresh panel, efforts to resolve disputes regarding counsel fees, and the need to address the frequent changes in the Board. The Member assures the court of no laxity in future assistance and requests the issue to be considered resolved, with no further listing needed.