A Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) will come into effect soon, providing a higher judicial forum for businesses to redress disputes under the new tax framework. 

The GST Council approved creation of the tribunal with a national bench in Delhi and three regional benches in Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai, said a senior government official privy to the deliberations of the council. The GST law provides for an appeal and review mechanism for dispute resolution under the framework, which was rolled out on July 1 last year. The tribunal is the second level of appeal where pleas can be filed against orders from appellate or revisional authorities. 

The council also approved draft rules for the appointment of the tribunal’s president and members, and conditions of service. The president of the tribunal must have served as a judge of the Supreme Court or a high court for at least five years, according to the rules. 

The move is expected to bring about consistency on issues. The new body replaces the Central Excise and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal.