New Delhi: In far-reaching tax reform measures, government on July 15 announced setting up of a National Tax Tribunal for uniform interpretation and implementation of the Income Tax Act and 50 additional benches of appellate Tribunal besides steps to quicken refunds and remove fear of raids.

Finance Minister Jaswant Singh also announced introduction of institution of Ombudsman for clearing tax disputes.

"I have instructed that searches should be authorised only where credible evidence of substantial tax evasion exists. Search and seizure is to be resorted to with great care and utmost caution and to be undertaken only with orders from Director General (investigations)," Singh told the All India Conference of Chief Commissioners and Director Generals of Income Tax and Customs and Central Excise.

He said it had been decided to introduce 50 additional benches of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in consultation with Law Ministry to ensure speedy disposal of cases within six months.

PTI