Page 43 - GSTL_16th July 2020_Vol. 38_Part 3

CESTAT — Procedure for e-hearing of urgent applications
Applications of urgent nature will be heard through video conferencing
platform. The standard operating procedures, manner of listing of cases, protocols
to be observed and the technical requirements are detailed in Annexure-I. The
parties who desire that such applications should be heard through video
conferencing may file a request in the Form as prescribed in Annexure-II, to the
concerned Assistant Registrar. The system of e-hearing of urgent Applications
will remain in force until further orders.
This notification shall come into force with effect from 1 July, 2020.
This issue with the approval of the Hon’ble President, CESTAT.

Annexure-I
CESTAT - PROCEDURE FOR E-HEARING OF APPLICATIONS
(www.cestatnew.gov.in)
I. Introduction
The lockdown declared by the Government due to COVID-19
pandemic has affected the regular hearing of appeals by all the
Benches of the Tribunal since 16 March, 2020. Even if the situation
improves, the risk involved in conducting regular Courts is high.
Therefore, a system of hearing of cases through video conferencing
has emerged as an alternative for regular Court sitting in some of the
Courts and Tribunals in the country. The Hon’ble Supreme Court, in
Suo Motu Writ (Civil) No. 5 of 2020, has permitted Courts across the
country to conduct legal proceedings by leveraging technology,
thereby furthering the objective of Article 39A of the Constitution.
The Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal also
endeavors to dispose cases of urgent applications through e-hearing
in all its Benches by utilizing the technology to the best extent
possible.
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