CAs on a par with advocates for ITAT appointment, rules Supreme Court

THE COURT HAS STRUCK DOWN THE EARLIER REQUIREMENT THAT MANDATED AT LEAST 25 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE FOR CAS

- BHAVINI MISHRA & RUCHIKA CHITRAVANSHI

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that Chartered accountants (CAs) must be treated on a par with advocates for appointment as accountant member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), the Supreme Court on Friday ruled, holding that 10 years’ professional experience qualifies CAs to be considered for the job.

The court struck down as unconstitutional the earlier requirement that mandated at least 25 years’ experience for CAs seeking appointment as technical member.

The court also noted that the Madras Bar Association and Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) had argued that the 25-year requirement was arbitrary, adding, the Bench was “in complete agreement with the submission made on behalf of the petitioner(s)”.