One of the major promises which I had referred to in my acceptance speech was to spread the light of knowledge to the interior parts of the State. Keeping that in mind, outstation seminars were arranged at Nagpur and Pune. During last one month, as many as three Seminars were successfully organised at Sangli, Parbhani and Nasik. The next one would be at Yawatmal on 7th January 2007. I propose to cover the entire State by end of my term as President. At each place, I had the pleasure of not only meeting the local professionals personally, but it also provided an opportunity to me to have first hand informations about their own problems in the profession which otherwise I would not have known. The response at all the places was beyond my expectation. Such periodical meetings would definitely yield better results in the days to come. I once again request all out station professionals to join this Association and become part of the family of Practitioners under one banner. Remember, a strong united voice will be heard better than a loud shouting in the wilderness.

        Yet one more dream that I had shared at the last Annual General Meeting was to strive for statutory audit to all the members of the Association without having any difference on account of their qualifications. As the repeated efforts through representations, even with the help of social workers, did not yield the desired amendment to section 61 of the MVAT Act, an approach to the High Court was made only as a last resort. I am happy to inform one and all that a Writ Petition has been admitted by Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court and the matter is directed to be placed for final disposal expeditiously. That Petition was filed by Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa. Yet one more petition before the Bombay High Court has also been filed by our Association at Mumbai. That petition also have been admitted on 20th December 2006. It is fixed for interim relief on 19th January 2007.

        Though the Courts have been approached for the restoration of our constitutional right under Article 19(1)(g) to practise our profession without any unreasonable restrictions imposed under section 61, it is still not too late for the draftsmen concerned to take immediate remedial action by amending suitably the said section. If that is done, the unwarranted utilisation of court time could be saved for other judicial work.

        While concluding, I am happy to place on record the release of the much awaited Sales Tax Review CD, covering all the volumes from 1998 till date. I am sure this will be welcomed by all for their immediate requirement.

        I wish you all A Happy & Prosperous 2007.