I-T tribunal upholds Rs 210 CR penalty on Cong

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal has rejected the Congress party’s appeal against a penalty of Rs 210 crore for discrepancies in its past tax returns. The tribunal’s decision was announced on Friday, prompting the party to announce plans to pursue legal options, including moving the High Court.
According to sources, the tribunal’s dismissal of the Congress’s appeal was regarding the penalties imposed by the Income Tax department. Ajay Maken, the Congress treasurer, stated that the party is actively considering legal recourse and intends to approach the High Court promptly.

Maken criticized the timing of the tribunal’s decision, accusing the BJP government of orchestrating it to coincide with the national elections. He described the freezing of Congress funds by the Income Tax authorities as an assault on democracy, particularly concerning the impending national elections.
Vivek Tankha, the head of Congress’s legal cell, expressed disappointment with the tribunal’s ruling, emphasizing that they will swiftly move to challenge it in the High Court. Tankha highlighted inconsistencies in the tribunal’s handling of similar cases in the past and underscored the urgency of addressing the issue, especially given the party’s imminent involvement in national elections.

The Congress had previously denounced the actions of the Income Tax authorities as “tax terrorism,” alleging undemocratic withdrawal of funds from its bank accounts and the freezing of substantial amounts. Maken stressed the importance of holding probe agencies accountable to prevent the erosion of democracy, while expressing confidence in the judiciary.