President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said rising tax disputes and the amount involved call for innovative tax litigation management to add to the country’s growth story.

Inaugurating the two-day platinum jubilee celebrations of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in Delhi, Mr. Mukherjee said there has been a sharp increase in direct tax litigations over the years.

“With the development of Indian economy, the direct taxes and number of tax payers have increased manifold, which have put pressures on the tax dispute redressal system.

“The rising trends in tax disputes and the quantum involved in tax litigations, call for an innovative tax litigation management system,” Mr. Mukherjee said.

Although taxation department has responded to meet the challenges through capacity development, Mr. Mukherjee said the rising disputes in “these areas call for trained manpower” in both the tax department as well as tax judiciary to keep India globally competitive in the tax judiciary system.

He further said tax disputes resolution is an integral component of the ecosystem for promoting investments and attracting business.

“As per >World Bank Group 2016 report, India is ranked at 130 in the ‘Ease of Doing Business’. This status must be improved.

“Through speedy justice, consistent orders, fair approach and business-oriented litigation management system, you (ITAT) can contribute to the growth story of India, which is unfolding itself,” the President said.

The event was also attended by Chief Justice of India Justice T.S. Thakur and Union Law Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, among others.