भारत सरकार Government of India 
National Emblem of India Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs logo विधि कार्य निदेशालय Directorate of Legal Affairs Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India

Directorate of Legal Affairs, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs - Home

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

In our country, only what is talked about is seen as reform. If it isn't talked about, it isn't seen as reform. It shows our ignorance. My mantra is reform to transform, and I say in my government - Reform, Perform and Transform.

PM Modi in an interview to Network 18

Our Leadership

  • Photograph of Shri Vivek Chaturvedi
    Shri Vivek Chaturvedi
    Chairman
  • Photograph of Shri Surjit Bhujabal
    Shri Surjit Bhujabal
    Special Secretary & Member
  • Photograph of Shri Arvinder Singh Ranga
    Shri Arvinder Singh Ranga
    Principal Commissioner

About Us

The PAC (1983-84; 7th LS) in its 107th report recommended for setting up a Directorate. A Special Monitoring Cell was created in the year 1997 to monitor cases in the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The Directorate of Legal Affairs (DLA) was set up in June 2002.

  • The Legal Cell (headed by Commissioner) looked after the proposals for filing of SLP (arising from High Court orders) and appointment of counsel.
  • The Review Section (headed by the Joint Secretary) looked after the proposals for filing of Civil Appeals (CA) arising out of CESTAT orders.
  • DLA look after the cases after filing of SLP/CA.

  • The Directorate of Legal Affairs (DLA) shall be the Nodal Agency to monitor the Legal and Judicial work of CBEC and its field formations. Accordingly, DLA is required to work in close co-ordination with the Legal and Judicial Sections of CBEC.
  • The DLA will work in close co-ordination with CBEC, CDR’s office, Law Ministry, Directorate of Systems, field formations of the CBRC, Central Agency Section (CAS), Senior Law Officers, Govt. Counsels, etc.
  • The DLA is the Nodal Authority with regard to Party’s appeal filed in the Supreme Court. DLA co-ordinates with field formations and the Central Agency Section.
  • The DLA also handled review petition filed by Department against Party Appeals in Supreme Court.
  • The DLA is monitor maintenance of the database / Monthly Performance Report of cases pending at various appellate fora.
  • The DLA is monitoring the report “Examination of High Court/CESTAT orders for acceptance or otherwise” on monthly basis.
  • The DLA under takes Legal inspection of field formation in terms of filing appeals, counter affidavit and replies before the High Courts and Supreme Court.

  • Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners are sent SLP proposals against High Court order to Board / Commissioner (Legal).
  • Board examines the proposal and forwards to Department of Legal Affairs seeking advice for filing of SLP.
  • After receiving concurrence from DoLA, SLP proposal is sent to CAS for drafting and filing.
  • DLA takes over after filing of SLP.

  • Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners are sent Civil Appeal proposals against High Court order to Board / Commissioner (Legal).
  • After acceptance, proposal is forwarded to CAS for drafting of Civil Appeal.
  • Joint Secretary (Review) vetted / approved and affirmed the drafted petition.
  • Civil Appeal proposal is sent to CAS for filing.
  • DLA takes over after filing of Civil Appeal.

  • DLA is the Nodal office for Party appeals filed in the SC and ensures effective monitoring & co-ordination with field formations and CAS.
  • It ensures filing of CAVEAT on important issues, Vakalatnama, Counter-Affidavits etc. by the Commissioners.
  • In cases where Notice of Appeal is received, the Commissionerate sends Vakalatnama & Para-wise comments directly to the CAS under intimation to DLA for drafting and filing of Counter Affidavit.
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