1. Appointment of new members

The Ministry of Law and Justice has appointed 15 new members to Income Tax Appellate Tribunal. For the first time in the history of ITAT, Oath Ceremony was held at Mumbai on 12th November, 2007. Hon’ble President Shri Vimal Gandhi administered the oath in the presence of members of ITAT, President ITAT Bar Association, Office Bearers, Members and Sr. Professionals.

The Members of the Bar appreciated the function of administering the oath taking ceremony in the presence of Members of the Bar.

2. Orientation and Training Programme

Orientation and Training Programme was held at Mumbai for newly appointed members of ITAT at Mumbai from 12th November to 30th November, 2007.

Retired Judges of Supreme Court, High Court, Members and Professionals addressed the orientation course.

3. International Taxation

In Mumbai a separate ‘L’ bench is constituted to decide the appeals concerning International Taxation, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement & Transfer Pricing.

4. Inauguration of renovated court hall No. 1

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashok Bhan, Judge, Supreme Court and Hon’ble Justice Mr. F. I. Rebello, Judge, Bombay High Court inaugurated the renovated court hall No. 1. at ITAT, Mumbai on 1st December, 2007.

5. All India Members Conference — Vision-2020 — Road ahead

Two days All India Members Conference were held at Mumbai on 1st and 2nd December at Hotel President, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai. The theme of the conference was ”Vision-2020 — Road ahead”. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashok Bhan, Judge, Supreme Court of India inaugurated the seminar. Hon’ble Justice Mr. F. I. Rebello was guest of honour. Mr. S. E. Dastur, President of ITAT Bar Association has made various suggestions to achieve the vision of ITAT. Mr. Sunil Talati, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India addressed on the vision of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Shri Vimal Gandhi, President, ITAT explained the measures taken to improve the functioning of ITAT. He stated that the pendency has reduced from 3,00,000 to 75,000. He appreciated the positive role of the Bar Association and members. He made an appeal to members to send suggestions for better functioning of ITAT.

Vice President Shri G. E. Veerabhadrappa proposed the vote of thanks. Vice President Shri Pradeep Parikh ably assisted by Member Mr. Sudhakar Reddy performed the duty as master of ceremony.

The Inaugural function was attended by more than 200 persons.

6. Members of ITAT — postings

1. Mr. G. K. Balan, Judicial Member, Bangalore

2. Mr. Vijay Pal Rao, Judicial Member, Chennai

3. Mrs. Asha Vijayraghavan, Judicial Member, Mumbai

4. Mr. V. D. Rao, Judicial Member, Mumbai

5. Mr. Abraham P. George, Accountant Member, Mumbai

6. Mr. Akbar Basha A., Accountant Member, Mumbai

7. Mr. George Mathan, Judicial Member, New Delhi

8. Mr. B. R. Baskaran, Accountant Member, Visakhapatnam