CJI BR Gavai warns that inconsistent or contradictory judicial decisions can weaken public trust and undermine the authority of India’s legal system. Predictable and reasoned judgments are essential for citizens to exercise their rights confidently.
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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai emphasized the importance of consistency and predictability in judicial and tribunal decisions, stating that inconsistent opinions can erode public trust and undermine the authority of the legal system.
Speaking at a symposium titled “Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) – Role, Challenges and Way Forward”, CJI Gavai highlighted that the law must serve as a stable framework enabling citizens to exercise their rights and fulfill their duties confidently.
“When courts and tribunals provide reasonable and consistent reasons and predictable decisions, then the law becomes a suitable framework within which citizens can exercise their rights and duties confidently. Inconsistent or contradictory opinions can erode the authority of the legal system,”
— CJI Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
During his address, the Chief Justice commended the pivotal role of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in ensuring fair and consistent tax adjudication. However, he also stressed the need for structural reforms to further enhance the tribunal’s functioning, transparency, and public credibility.
CJI Gavai lauded the ITAT’s significant achievement in reducing case pendency from 84,000 to 24,000, noting that such progress reflects strong cooperation between the bar and the bench.
Despite this progress, the CJI expressed concern over the huge backlog of tax disputes, which collectively amount to ₹6.85 lakh crore, a figure exceeding 2% of India’s GDP.
“Tax matters touch the lives of people,”
he added, emphasizing the economic and social impact of timely adjudication.
The symposium also featured Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, and Union Law Secretary Anju Rathi Rana.
While felicitating CJI Gavai, Minister Meghwal celebrated 84 years of ITAT’s service since its establishment in 1941, highlighting its vital contribution to India’s legal and economic framework.
“India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest economy owes much to institutions like ITAT,”
— Arjun Ram Meghwal
The Minister noted that the tribunal has dispensed justice to over 30 lakh appellants through the decades, reinforcing its legacy as a cornerstone of India’s tax justice system.
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