Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The bill aims to harmonise the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act with the Tribunal Reforms Act, streamlining the administrative process for the operationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunals.Aligning the Legal FrameworkThe proposed amendments primarily focus on aligning Section 109 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, which addresses the constitution of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal. This tribunal serves as the second appellate authority within the Goods and Services Tax framework, handling appeals against orders passed by the Appellate Authority under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, and the State Goods and Services Tax Acts.Addressing Operational ChallengesThe Bill recognises the existing challenge of non-constitution of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunals, leading taxpayers to seek a second appellate remedy directly from the High Court. This situation places an undue burden on the High Courts, prompting the need for the proposed amendments.Streamlining Administrative ProcessesThe amendments proposed in the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, include revisions to Sections 109 and 110 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. These changes are crucial for facilitating the establishment of the Central Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunals. Notified in July of this year, these amendments are vital to align the provisions with the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 (33 of 2021).The provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, are being aligned with the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021, to initiate the administrative process for operationalisation of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunals at the earliest, the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill emphasised. The move aims to expedite the resolution of tax-related appeals and enhance the efficiency of the overall taxation system.
