Justice Pradipkumar Premshankar Bhatt, Former Judge, Gujarat High Court appointed as President, ITAT

Justice Pradipkumar Premshankar Bhatt, Former Judge, High Court of Gujarat, appointed as President, ITAT 

MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 2nd November, 2018

No. A-12023(1)/15/2016-Admn.-III (LA).—In exercise of the powers conferred by Sub-Section 3 of Section 252 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), the Central Government is pleased to appoint Mr. Justice Pradipkumar Premshankar Bhatt, Former Judge, High Court of Gujarat, as President, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, with effect from the forenoon of 24th October, 2018 and till he attains the age of 65 years, i.e. 5th September, 2021, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

DR. RAJIV MANI, Jt. Secy. & Legal Adviser

More about the President ITAT

Born on 6^th September, 1956. Had primary education in different districts of Gujarat. Graduated in Arts faculty with Political Science from H.K.Arts College, Ahmedabad & obtained degree of Law from Sir L.A.Shah Law College, Ahmedabad affiliated to Gujarat University. Enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Gujarat and started practice in the High Court of Gujarat in 1984.

As a lawyer, appeared in several matters relating to Constitutional Law, Service Law, Civil as well as Criminal Law. Represented semi-Government Corporations / Bodies, Local Self Government and other public as well as private companies such as Ahmedabad Electricity Company, Gujarat Water Supply and Sewage Board, Gujarat Housing Board. Represented Municipal Corporation and Panchayats. Also advanced issues involving public interest in the court of law.

Invited to join the judiciary and appointed as Judge, City Civil and Sessions Court on 10^th July 1995 and dealt with numerous Civil as well as Criminal cases. Appointed as Member Secretary, Gujarat State Legal Service Authority on 25^th May 2001. Took keen interest in furtherance of the objectives and activities of the Legal Service Authority and worked hard especially for the redressal of claims of the victims of the disastrous Earth Quake of Gujarat in 2001 through Alternative Disputes Resolution method.

On 26th May 2003 appointed as Registrar, High Court of Gujarat and on creation of the post of Registrar General, became the first Registrar General of High Court of Gujarat, played pro-active role to bring about administrative reforms in the field of infrastructure, creation of new posts, use of Information Technology in the High Court as well as the District Judiciary. Actively involved in the organization of various programmes and projects held during the Golden Jubilee Year including development of the History and Heritage Museum of Gujarat Judiciary in the Gujarat High Court. Had an opportunity to work with Director National Judicial Academy and Professors of I.I.M. for evolving Court Management Plan. Attended and participated in various State as well as National level Conferences and Seminars etc. On 22nd February 2007 repatriated and posted as Judge, City Civil & Sessions Court, Ahmedabad and again appointed as Registrar General, High Court of Gujarat on 1st February 2008. On 1st September 2010 repatriated and posted as Judge, City Civil & Sessions Court, Ahmedabad and worked as Special Judge, CBI Court.

Elevated as an Additional Judge, High Court of Gujarat on 17^th February 2011. Transferred as an Additional Judge, Jharkhand high court at Ranchi on 27^th June 2011, and re-transferred to High Court of Gujarat on 11^th February, 2016.  Retired from High Court of Gujarat on 6^th September, 2018.

Assumed charge of Office of President, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal on 24^th October, 2018.