In the result, the cross-objections filed by the assessee are allowed
Bench: the Tribunal, as stipulated under CBDT Circular No.09/2024 dated 17.09.2024. It was also not the case of the Revenue that the present appeals fall within any of the exceptions carved out in the said Circular. In view of this admitted position and having regard to the binding nature of the Circular, which expressly applies even to pending appeals, the maintainability of the Revenue's appeals stands squarely governed by the said Circular. 3
268A of the Act embodies a clear and deliberate policy decision to regulate departmental litigation and to ensure that appeals involving insignificant tax effect do not occupy the time of appellate fora. Such Circulars are binding on the Revenue authorities and, once the conditions stipulated therein are satisfied, the Tribunal is obliged to give effect to the same. 4. Once