Union Cabinet Approved Setting Up of Six Additional Benches of the CESTAT

The Union Cabinet of India on 17 October 2013 approved the setting up of six additional benches of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT).

These benches include three at existing locations in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and three new benches at Chandigarh, Allahabad and Hyderabad.

The setting up of six additional benches of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) will decrease pendency in the cases and increase the disposal cases. It will benefit both the Government and litigants.

About The Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT)

• The Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) was constituted on the on 11 October 1982.
• It was formerly known as Customs, Excise and Gold (Control) Appellate Tribunal (CEGAT).
• The headquarters as well as Principal Bench of the CESTAT are located in Delhi.  
• The main function of CESTAT is to provide an independent and impartial forum to hear the appeal against orders and decisions passed by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise under the Customs Act, 1962, Central Excise act ,1944 and Gold (Control) Act, 1968.  
• After coming into operation of the Service Tax vide Chapter V of the Finance Act, 1994, Service Tax Appeals also included in the Jurisdiction of the CESTAT.
• The Tribunal is also empowered to hear the appeals against the orders passed by designated authority with regard to Anti Dumping Duties under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.