The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) celebrated the 71st Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, on 26th November, 2020 by organizing an All India Webinar. The celebrations were led by the Mr. Justice P.P. Bhatt, President, ITAT. On the occasion, Shri Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, Union Law Secretary, Shri Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, Ms. Seema Khorana Patra, Member (Legislation), Central Board of Direct Taxes and other dignitaries were present. The Vice Presidents and Members also joined. A large number of practising lawyers, Chartered Accountants, Officers of the Income Tax Department as well as the officers and staff of the ITAT were also present on the occasion.
Mr. Justice P.P. Bhatt, in his opening remarks, gave a brief insight on the goals set in the Preamble to the Constitution of India and the vision of Prime Minister in imbibing the common aims and aspirations enshrined to the ordinary citizens of the country by involving the people from all walks of life in celebrating the ‘Constitution Day’. He also stressed on the need of sincere performance of the fundamental duties by all. A lyrical version of the Preamble was also played on this occasion.
Thereafter, the gathering was addressed by Shri Y.P. Trivedi, Senior Advocate, Shri M.S. Syali, Senior Advocate, Shri SaurabhSoparkar, Senior Advocate, Smt. S.R. Anuradha, Advocate and Shri Atul Gupta, President, ICAI who enlightened the participants on the principles of Indian Constitution. Ms. Seema Khorana Patra, Member (Legislation), Central Board of Direct Taxes spoke about the constitutional provisions regarding administration and collection of taxes. Shri Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India talked about the beauty and strength of the Indian Constitution. He inspired everyone to pay homage to the victims of the Mumbai attack on 26th November, 2008. He also remembered the Members of the Constituent Assembly. He spoke about the most important feature of our Constitution i.e., separation of powers of the three organs of the Sovereign State and how each organ is independent with checks and balance. Shri Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, Union Law Secretary highlighted the nuances of the Indian Constitution in detail and the freedom of judiciary in fulfilling the aims and objects of the Preamble.
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