Supreme Court, high courts: FBR issues new policy for representation of tax-related cases

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Friday issued a new policy for representation in tax-related cases before the superior judiciary ie Supreme Court of Pakistan, provincial High Courts and Islamabad High Court.
According to the FBR's new strategy issued through an office order, Director General and Directors Law will act as co-ordinator between the field formation and advocates in defending the departmental cases in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Director General and Directors Law will maintain record of cases and advocates defending the departmental cause. They will evaluate the performance of the advocates in consultation with field formations and recommend about their retention on the 'Panel of Advocate of FBR' to the Board through Member (Legal), FBR said.
Where FBR is a direct party or issue directly relates to FBR, the DG will inform in writing to the concerned Member and Member Legal in the Board; with recommendation regarding course to be adopted, FBR maintained.
Proceedings and outcome of important cases must be reported to the Secretary Revenue Division/ Members concerned in the Board.
DG/Directors shall ensure that data of Supreme Court and High Courts cases is updated on Litigation Management System regularly on daily basis by the Chief Commissioners/ Collectors with regards to outcome of the hearing. A fortnightly progress report must be discussed between Member Legal and the DG in this respect.
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 field offices to monitor and accelerate better co-ordination between Directors and field offices. A monthly report should be submitted to the Board with recommendations to improve the co-ordination and presentation of cases, FBR added.