ITAT Vacancy Crisis: Parliamentary Panel Demands Action
By ThePip Desk
Parliamentary Committee stresses urgent need to fill ITAT vacancies, citing severe staff shortages impacting case disposal and hearing schedules.
A Parliamentary Committee has urged the immediate and continuous filling of critical vacancies within the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), encompassing judicial, registry, and support staff positions. These ongoing staff shortages significantly hinder hearing schedules and the overall disposal of cases.
Current Staffing Deficiencies Highlighted
As of May 1, 2026, the ITAT faced a notable shortfall in its member positions. Only 98 out of 126 sanctioned member positions were filled, despite recruitment for an additional 16 candidates having been completed.
Impact on Tribunal Operations
The Standing Committee on Law and Personnel, in its report on tribunals, emphasized that judicial institution efficiency relies heavily on adequate registry, administrative, and support staff, not solely on judicial members. Vacancies across various levels impede several critical functions.
These functional impediments include:
Hearing schedules.
Record preparation.
Court proceedings.
Administrative supervision.
Overall case disposal.
Addressing Retention and Future Needs
The committee specifically urged the Legal Affairs department, the tribunal, the Staff Selection Commission, and other relevant agencies to fill vacancies in the Registry and supporting cadres. Key roles identified include Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Assistant Registrar, Senior Private Secretary, and Private Secretary.
To combat the challenge of retaining candidates for Group B and C posts, the committee proposed exploring a reserve panel or waiting list of selected candidates for a specified period. This mechanism would facilitate the swift filling of positions arising from non-joining individuals or early attrition.
Furthermore, the report, titled ‘Review of functioning of tribunal system in the country’, recommended periodic manpower assessments. Such assessments would proactively evaluate staffing requirements and ensure administrative constraints do not impede the delivery of justice.
Strengthening Physical Infrastructure
Beyond staffing, the standing committee advised the Department of Legal Affairs to prioritize enhancing ITAT’s physical infrastructure nationwide. This includes two primary directives:
Establish a permanent and modern headquarters in Mumbai.
Complete ongoing infrastructure projects in Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Guwahati within their stipulated timelines.