Mumbai, 29 June 2026

 

The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU) and Ahmedabad Zonal Unit (AZU), in association with the Western India Regional Council (WIRC) of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), successfully organised a webinar on "Best Appellate Practices for GSTAT: Do's & Don'ts" on June 29, 2026. The webinar witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives of trade and industry, tax professionals, Chartered Accountants, Cost Accountants, advocates, departmental officers, members of trade associations and chambers of commerce, students and other stakeholders from across the country.

Welcoming the distinguished speakers and participants, Shri Sumit Kumar, Principal Additional Director General, Directorate General of Taxpayer Services, Mumbai and Ahmedabad Zonal Units, said that the operationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) marks a significant milestone in India's GST regime by providing an efficient and transparent appellate mechanism. He emphasised that a clear understanding of appellate procedures and statutory requirements is essential for effective representation before the Tribunal, reducing avoidable litigation and ensuring timely delivery of justice.

Shri Sumit Kumar expressed his appreciation to the Western India Regional Council (WIRC) of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India for co-organising the webinar and acknowledged the support of CMA Shri Mihir Narayana Vyas, Chairman, WIRC, in promoting taxpayer awareness and professional capacity building. He also thanked the eminent speakers and participants whose active engagement contributed to the success of the programme.

The webinar featured expert presentations by Shri Pramod Kumar Rai, Hon'ble Member (Judicial), GST Appellate Tribunal, Rajkot; Shri Kishori Lal, Hon'ble Member (Technical), GST Appellate Tribunal, Rajkot; and Shri Deepak Mata, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Chief Commissioner, Mumbai Zone.

During the technical sessions, Shri Pramod Kumar Rai explained the jurisdiction of the Principal and State Benches and highlighted the importance of factual accuracy in appellate proceedings. Shri Kishori Lal provided an overview of Form GST APL-05, highlighting its mandatory components and common deficiencies leading to rejection of appeals, including incomplete compliance with pre-deposit requirements. Shri Deepak Mata shared a practical pre-filing checklist, addressed portal synchronisation issues and explained the current facilitative approach towards rectification of minor formatting deficiencies.

Highlighting DGTS's sustained taxpayer outreach efforts, Shri Sumit Kumar informed participants that DGTS, Mumbai Zonal Unit, has already organised four specialised webinars on various aspects of GST appellate procedures. The present webinar builds on these initiatives by focusing on best practices for effective representation before the GST Appellate Tribunal.

DGTS, Mumbai Zonal Unit, continues to undertake taxpayer outreach and awareness initiatives to strengthen taxpayer facilitation, promote voluntary compliance and enhance stakeholder engagement.

 

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PIB Mumbai | Saurabh Khekde/Darshana Rane

 

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