Page 36 - GSTL_30th April 2020_Vol 35_Part 5

J88 GST LAW TIMES [ Vol. 35

Customs matters — Hearings to be held via video
conference
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued de-
tailed guidelines for its offices to conduct hearings on Customs-related matters
via Video Conference (VC) with the consent of the appellant or respondent to
ensure speedy disposal of cases while observing social distancing norms to check
the spread of COVID-19.
“With an aim to create a virtual Customs working environment, ensur-
ing # Social Distancing, reduce physical presence & usage of ICT systems, CBIC
issues guidelines for conduct of personal hearings in virtual mode under Cus-
toms Act, 1962,” CBIC tweeted on 28-4-2020.
According to the guidelines, the new system would also facilitate im-
porters, exporters, passengers, advocates, tax practitioners and authorised repre-
sentatives to maintain social distancing while performing their work at ease.
Persons participating in video conference should also be appropriately
dressed and maintain the required decorum, the guidelines said.
The guidelines are part of the Government’s ongoing reforms - ‘turant’
(instant) Customs - such as online query module, eSanchit, a Finance Ministry
Official said requesting anonymity.
Rahul Shukla, Executive Director, Indirect Tax, at Consultancy firm PwC
said, “Shift to virtual environment for hearings, etc. by CBIC is a welcome move.
Hopefully, this will help expeditious clearances of pending matters with minimal
glitches.”
Chartered Accountant Kapil Rana said conducting personal hearings in
the virtual mode is in sync with the changed way of doing business. “During the
pandemic, the business is not happening or happening at a very slow pace, utilis-
ing this time to clear all the pending cases is a fantastic move. By this, the de-
partment will be able to clear the pending cases and also the live CVD refund,
Customs duty refund, and other refunds will be also cleared and released which
will help business during this crunch time,” he said.
[Source : Hindustan Times, New Delhi, dated 29-4-2020]

States seek GST Compensation beyond 2022
Opposition-ruled States including Punjab, Kerala and Delhi pitched for
extension of Goods and Services Tax Compensation to the States for two years
beyond 2022 to tide over the crunch they may face in the post-Covid-19 scenario.
State Finance Ministers, during a video conference on 27-4-2020, also dis-
cussed issues arising out of the lockdown, including the urgent requirement of
some form of aid for micro, small and medium enterprises, which have been af-
fected the most, besides relief for the services sectors.
“GST Compensation, which is due to the States, should be given... the
GST Council could also borrow and let the Compensation continue for a year or
two after 2022 also, which can be collected later,” Punjab Finance Minister Man-
preet Badal told ET.

GST LAW TIMES  30th April 2020  36
( A88 )