Bombay High Court Directs Swift Action on MSTT Website Development

Ascendas IT Park (Pune) Pvt. Ltd. Vs State of Maharashtra And Ors (Bombay High Court)

Introduction: The Bombay High Court has urged prompt action in the development of the Maharashtra Sales Tax Tribunal’s (MSTT) website, setting a deadline of December 31, 2023. This directive comes after the court emphasized the essential role of technology in ensuring efficient access to justice. A compliance report from the MSTT President indicates progress, but the court demands swifter measures.

1. Background:

• The High Court’s order on August 24, 2023, highlighted the need for MSTT’s official website, crucial for effective functioning.
• The National Informatics Centre (NIC) had committed to developing the website, and steps were outlined in a compliance report.

2. Finance Department’s Role:

• The Finance Department of the State of Maharashtra received a proposal for administrative and financial approval related to the website development.
• An affidavit from the Deputy Secretary (Taxation) Finance Department assures expedited processing upon receiving the proposal.

3. MSTT’s Progress:

• A comprehensive proposal for administrative and financial approval was submitted by MSTT to the Finance Department on September 27, 2023.
• The 76th Project Implementation Committee meeting on October 10, 2023, discussed and approved the proposal.
• Steps are being taken to procure technical manpower and cloud hosting infrastructure for the website.

4. Video Conferencing Facilities: