Press Release, Dated 25-09-2025
1. Introduction
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued a press release announcing the formal launch of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) in New Delhi. The inauguration was led by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman. The establishment of GSTAT marks an important milestone in strengthening India’s GST dispute resolution framework, ensuring that taxpayers have access to a specialised and independent forum for appeals.
2. Structure and Functioning of GSTAT
GSTAT has been created as a nationwide specialised tribunal to provide fair, efficient, and transparent adjudication of GST-related disputes. It has been designed to deliver plain-language, jargon-free decisions using simplified formats and standardised checklists. The tribunal is digital-by-default, allowing for virtual hearings and electronic filings. In addition, clear time standards have been set for listing, hearing, and pronouncing orders to promote efficiency and predictability. The institutional structure consists of a Principal Bench in New Delhi and 31 State Benches across 45 locations, each comprising two Judicial Members, one Technical Member from the Centre, and one Technical Member from the State—ensuring a balanced mix of judicial and technical expertise while reflecting cooperative federalism.
3. GSTAT e-Courts Portal
Alongside the Tribunal, the Government has launched the GSTAT e-Courts Portal, developed in collaboration with GSTN and NIC. This digital platform allows taxpayers and practitioners to file appeals online, monitor case progress, and participate in hearings virtually. To help users transition smoothly, the system incorporates staggered filing of appeals until 30 June 2026. Comprehensive support has been provided in the form of FAQs, explanatory notes, and instructional videos that guide stakeholders through registration, filing, digital hearings, and case tracking.
4. Benefits for Taxpayers and the Ecosystem
The GSTAT framework has been designed to minimise legal frictions and promote consistency in the interpretation of GST laws. By ensuring predictability in outcomes and standardisation of dispute resolution, it helps strengthen trust between taxpayers and the tax administration. The system also focuses on taxpayer-centric governance by reducing compliance burdens, improving accessibility through digital platforms, and enabling faster dispute resolution. This step is expected to boost the ease of doing business in India, benefiting both small and large taxpayers.
5. Conclusion
The launch of GSTAT and its e-Courts Portal demonstrates the Government’s commitment to modernising India’s tax dispute resolution system. By combining judicial expertise, technical knowledge, and digital innovation, GSTAT is poised to become a cornerstone of taxpayer-friendly governance under GST. The tribunal’s emphasis on clarity, speed, and fairness will not only resolve disputes more effectively but also foster a culture of trust, transparency, and cooperative federalism in India’s indirect tax regime.
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