ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has adopted new policy for placement of legal advisors and advocates on its panel to improve the representation before the courts.
The FBR said that previously policy for appointment of advocates was regulated under guidelines issued on October 16, 2017.
“However, to improve the representation before the courts in the light of directors of Supreme Court given in CMA No. 991/2015, the existing policy has been reviewed and the new policy guidelines are proposed for placing advocates on FBR panel and appointment as legal advisors on retainership” the FBR added.
According to eligibility criteria for appointment of legal advisors, advocates must have at least seven years practice as advocate High Court in relaxation or service matters shall be considered.
For placement on FBR panel, the applicant must have at least three years practices/experience as advocate of High Court in taxation or services matters, having good reputation and professional competence.
However, where the applicant is a retired officer of FBR and has served in IRS or Pakistan Customs for at least ten years, experience as an advocate High Court for one year may also be considered.
The FBR said that advocate placed on panel of FBR while representing the FBR shall not give any conceding statement before any court unless specifically in this regard. “The advocate shall not enter into appearance in any case against FBR or its field formations,” the FBR added.
The advocate shall be responsible to apply for the certified copy on the date of judgment is announced and provide the same to the department immediately.
Advocate appointed by the FBR or its field formation shall not seek unnecessary adjournment. Further, the appointed advocate shall ensure the departmental case is not left unattended for want of prosecution.
