KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has approved a new strategy to defend tax-related cases before the superior judiciary i.e. Supreme Court of Pakistan, provincial high courts and the Islamabad High Court.
In this regard, Muhammad Tanvir Akhtar, Chief Management, FBR issued a notification on Friday to all the FBR Members, FBR/Chief Commissioner and Collectors to ensure strict compliance on the new legal policy.
According to a notification available with Customs Today, Director General and Directors Law will act as coordinator between the field formations and advocates in defending the departmental cases in the Supreme Court and high courts.
Director General and Director Law will maintain record of cases and advocates while the performance of the advocates will also be evaluated in consultation with formations.
Where the FBR is a direct party or issue directly relates to the FBR, the DG will inform in writing to the member concerned and member legal in the board.
Proceedings and outcome of important cases must be reported to the Secretary Revenue Division/Members concerned in the board.
DG/Directors will ensure that the data of Supreme Court and high courts cases is updated on Litigation Management System and a fortnightly discussion will be held between Member Legal and the DG in this regard.
DG and Directors shall make sure that field formations/FBR have appointed AOR and ASC and in case of any deficiency, the matter is immediately reported to the board.
DG Law will periodically visit the field offices to monitor and accelerate better coordination between directors and field offices. A monthly report should be submitted to the Board with recommendations to improve the coordination and presentation of cases.