|
One Wise Decision
The Judge, Shri G.D. Parekh
shall be with us for three more years. We do not know whom to congratulate, the
Finance Minister himself or the bureaucrats working under him, but the fact
remains that one wise decision has been taken by the present executives.
It is amazing to note that the
decision was taken well in time. We have seen persons getting extensions after
their retirement. We have also seen the President of the Tribunal waiting for
the extension for number of days, due to the oral promises given, and thereafter
rejecting the same since the official letter was given to him after he vacated
his residential premises in Mumbai and reached to his hometown. Somebody who
cares for judiciary must have now joined the Mantralaya.
But, we must now compliment
them. We must thank them for strengthening the Tribunal. Such wise step should
also have been taken when Madam Basu retired. Had it been done then, the
Tribunal would not have faced such pathetic situation which it is experiencing
today. We have lost one much competent judge.
Mr. Mohammad Umar was another
able member of the Tribunal. His judgments were always well reasoned and
balanced one. It is learnt that he was refused extension because many of his
judgments were in favour of the assessees. Can this be a reason for refusal? It
means Government does not want free and fair atmosphere in the Tribunal. It is
the mockery of the judicial proceedings. Why should you have such farce then?
You have enough Jt.Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners down below who are
dancing to your tune. Kindly note, out of the three organs of the State it is
the judiciary which is respected most. People have faith in it. Every person,
whether an offender or otherwise has always bowed before the judicial decisions,
though sometimes he criticizes the same. Please do not disturb the system
itself. It will certainly boomerang.
We, the Editorial Board of the
Sales Tax Review, hereby record our satisfaction and appreciation for the three
years extension granted to Hon'ble President Shri G.D. Parekh. We have
experienced His Lordship’s judicial acumen and administrative capability. We are
confident that the Maharashtra Sales Tax Tribunal will become a real super
Tribunal in the country during his tenure. We wish him all the success and
promise him our fullest co-operation.
Vinayak Patkar
Editor |
