The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has made it mandatory for high-ranking officials, such as the principal commissioner or above, to approve investigations, searches, or questioning in GST matters related to large industrial houses, multinationals, and those with national implications. This move, aimed at minimizing instances of harassment, follows a directive from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to adopt a more taxpayer-friendly approach. Taxpayers can also approach designated officials of the rank of principal commissioner in case of grievances during an investigation.