CENTRAL GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (SECOND AMENDMENT) (CGST) BILL, 2023

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TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Lok Sabha passed Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) (CGST) Bill, 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• The Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023 was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 13, 2023.
• It amends the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Act, 2017.
• The Act provides for the levy and collection of CGST on the intra-state supply of goods and services.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL:

• Change in qualification for members of Appellate Tribunal:
  • The Act allows the central government to set up an Appellate Tribunal on the recommendation of the GST Council.
  • The Tribunal comprises the President, a judicial member, and two technical members.
  • Persons eligible to be appointed as the judicial member are:

(i) a judge of the High Court, or

(ii) a district judge or additional district judge having served for at least 10 years.

• The Bill allows advocates with at least 10 years of experience to be appointed as the judicial member.
• They must have substantial experience in matters relating to indirect taxation.
• The minimum age to be appointed as a member or president of the Tribunal will be 50 years.

• Age limit:
  • The Bill increases the age limit:

(i) for the president of the Tribunal from 67 to 70 years, and

(ii) for members from 65 to 67 years.

SOURCE: https://www.barandbench.com/news/lok-sabha-passes-cgst-amendment-bill-indirect-tax-lawyers-10-years-experience-gstat-members