The Supreme Court issued notice on a public interest litigation raising concerns over prolonged vacancies in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), while directing that vacant administrative posts in the tribunal be filled expeditiously.

Appearing for the petitioner, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi submitted that the PIL concerns chronic vacancies in the ITAT, stating that several posts have remained unfilled for years, in some cases for nearly a decade, affecting the functioning of the tribunal and adjudication of tax disputes.

Taking note of the issue, a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notice in the matter and directed that a copy of the plea be served on the office of the Attorney General.

As an interim measure to address the shortage, the Court observed that tribunals may approach the High Courts concerned for deputation of judicial officers, wherever such officers can be spared, until regular appointments are made.