**Executive Summary**
The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), Mumbai Zonal Unit, in collaboration with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), conducted a webinar on May 29, 2026, regarding the new GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) bench structure. The program aimed to enhance stakeholder awareness of the evolving GST appellate framework and dispute resolution mechanisms. The session addressed procedural aspects, case categorization, and common deficiencies in appeals for approximately 600 participants.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Webinar Objectives and Participation**
* **Purpose:** To provide a comprehensive understanding of the new GSTAT bench structure, how cases are categorized, and the general functioning of the benches.
* **Attendance:** Approximately 600 stakeholders participated, including tax professionals, members of trade and industry, departmental officers, and academicians.
* **Collaborators:** The event was organized by DGTS Mumbai Zonal Unit (a wing of CBIC) and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
**Technical and Procedural Insights**
* **Core Topics:** Technical sessions focused on the structural layout of GSTAT benches, legal procedures for filing, and the specific categorization of cases.
* **Error Prevention:** Experts highlighted common deficiencies and problems observed in GST appeals to help practitioners avoid procedural errors.
* **Interactive Learning:** A dedicated Q&A session allowed participants to resolve practical and legal queries concerning appellate procedures.
**Organizational Outreach Efforts**
* **Ongoing Engagement:** In the 2025–26 financial year, DGTS MZU conducted 62 outreach programs, 40 of which were specifically focused on GST.
* **Strategic Importance:** Leadership emphasized the necessity of stakeholder outreach to keep professionals updated on frequent changes in taxation laws and procedures.
**Impact Analysis**
**Tax Professionals (Company Secretaries, Chartered Accountants, and Tax Practitioners)**
**Impact**
Professionals gained clarity on the evolving GST appellate structure and identified common mistakes made during the appeal process.
**Action Required**
They must apply the technical knowledge regarding bench functioning and case categorization to ensure more accurate and compliant filings for their clients.
**Trade and Industry Members**
**Impact**
Stakeholders in trade and industry received better insight into dispute resolution mechanisms, potentially reducing the complexity of handling GST-related legal matters.
**Action Required**
They should align their internal dispute resolution strategies with the new GSTAT bench structure and procedural requirements.
**Departmental Officers**
**Impact**
Officers were updated on the latest framework for GST appeals, facilitating better synchronization between the department and the appellate tribunal.
**Action Required**
They are required to incorporate the updated understanding of GSTAT functioning and case categorization into their departmental roles and taxpayer interactions.
Key Entities Referenced
Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT): The specialized appellate body for resolving disputes under GST, whose new bench structure and functioning were the focus of the outreach program.
Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), Mumbai Zonal Unit: The dedicated taxpayer outreach wing of the CBIC responsible for organizing awareness programs on GST laws and procedures.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC): The national regulatory body responsible for administering indirect taxes and under whose aegis the DGTS operates.
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI): The professional body that collaborated with DGTS to enhance the understanding of the GST appellate framework among stakeholders.
Ministry of Finance
DGTS, Mumbai Zonal Unit and ICSI organise
webinar on GSTAT bench structure and
functioning
Posted On: 29 MAY 2026 6:28PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai: 29 May 2026
The Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU), a
dedicated taxpayer outreach wing of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and
Customs (CBIC), in association with The Institute of Company Secretaries of India
(ICSI), organised a Webinar on “Understanding the New GSTAT Bench Structure,
Categorisation of Cases & Functioning of the Benches” on 29th May, 2026 through
online mode.
The webinar witnessed participation of around 600 stakeholders including members
of trade and industry, tax professionals, company secretaries, chartered
accountants, departmental officers and academicians from across the country. The
programme aimed at enhancing awareness regarding the evolving GST appellate
framework and strengthening taxpayer understanding of dispute resolution
mechanisms under GST.
Delivering the welcome address, Shri Sumit Kumar, Principal Additional Director
General, DGTS, MZU, highlighted the importance of stakeholder outreach and
awareness on changes in taxation laws and procedures. He appreciated the
collaboration with ICSI in organising knowledge-oriented programmes for
professionals and taxpayers.
The Webinar was graced by CS Yogesh Choudhary, Chairman, WIRC–ICSI, and CS
Praveen Soni, Central Council Member, ICSI, who emphasised the significance of
understanding the new GST appellate structure.The technical sessions were delivered by Shri Pramod Kumar Rai, Hon’ble Member
(Judicial), GSTAT, Rajkot, and Shri Deepak Mata, Deputy Commissioner, CGST &
Central Excise, Mumbai Zone. The sessions covered the structure and functioning of
GSTAT benches, categorisation of cases, procedural aspects and common
deficiencies observed in GST appeals.
An interactive Question and Answer Session enabled participants to seek
clarifications on practical and legal issues concerning GST appellate procedures.
During FY 2025–26, DGTS, MZU conducted 62 outreach programmes, including 40
GST-related programmes, reaffirming its commitment towards taxpayer awareness
and stakeholder engagement.
PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka Chatterjee/ Robin Singh/ Priti Malandkar
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