There is no time frame for addressing complaints related to customs, central excise and service tax, according to indirect tax ombudsman Lalitha John.

Speaking on Indirect Tax Ombudsman Guidelines at a function organised by Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) on Monday, Lalitha said various complaints have been received by the ombudsman. If a complaint does not come under the ombudsmans jurisdiction, the complainant will be informed, she said, adding that: The details of the complainant will be kept confidential.

The complainant should first lodge a complaint at the grievance redressal cell of the department concerned. If there is no progress on the complaint, he/she can approach the ombudsman, she said.

She said complaints could be sent through either post or via email (ombudsman. indt.blr@gmail.com). The
office of ombudsman is located at A Wing, 7th Floor, Kendriya Sadan, Koramangala, Bangalore - 560034.