GSTAT Allows Relaxation in Scrutiny of Appeal Filings for Initial Six Months

The GST Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi, under the Ministry of Finance, recently shared an office order on January 20, 2026, with the approval of the GSTAT’s President regarding relaxation in scrutiny of appeal filings on the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) portal.

The President has used his powers under Rule 123 of the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2025, to give relief because people are facing problems while filing appeals on the new GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) portal, especially in the initial phase.

For the first six months from the date of this order, the Registry of each bench has been instructed to be lenient while checking appeal documents. They should point out only serious defects that affect the merits of the case and ignore minor or technical mistakes that are only about form and not substance.

The President further clarified that documents that are generated online through the GSTN system do not need any certification or signature. However, if physical documents are scanned and uploaded along with the appeal, those scanned copies must be signed before uploading.