Year: 2011

The author goes ballistic over the Rolls Royce Plc vs. DDIT case and claims that Rolls Royce’s “timid surrender” against the damning findings of the AO proves that even marquee companies like Rolls Royce are not averse to pinching a few dollars from the exchequer of third world countries if they think nobody’s looking. Rolls-Royce must be prosecuted for tax fraud demands the author

This week, the author suggests that a Anna Hazare style crusader is needed to explain to the CBDT the irrationality of its stand that the monetary limits for filing appeals will apply only to fresh appeals and not to pending appeals. Also, on the issue whether software income is assesable as “royalty”, the CBDT should abandon its ostrich-like stance and take a firm stand one way or the other like its Australian counterpart says the author

On the occasion of the Bombay High Court’s 150th Anniversary, the author pays rich tribute to the judicial independence and integrity of the Bombay High Court and recollects the stellar contribution of the tax professionals in bringing glory to the High Court. This is the time for all professionals to re-dedicate themselves to the cause of the Judiciary exhorts the author

Get up to speed with the latest developments in the World of Tax. This week, the author wonders whether it is time to write an obituary for the DRP. Also another body-blow on the reopening front should shake the Babus of Aaykar Bhavan out of their reverie. And yes, don’t forget to tighten your seat belt because the CBDT Chairman’s missive on recovery might just prompt the AO to demand that you pay up that long outstanding arrear

The author trains his guns again on the proposed National Tax Tribunal and makes out a compelling case on why it should never be implemented. Instead, a different approach is required to solve the problems of delay and cost in justice delivery says the author. The ten-point agenda formulated by the author will, if implemented in true earnest, deliver us the Nirvana of “Sulabh Nyay Satvar Nyay” (Simple justice, Speedy justice) assures the author

The author argues that the adverse outcome of the Aditya Birla Nuvo matter was the result of shoddy drafting of the JV agreements by AT&T’s lawyers which the department’s lawyers exploited to the hilt. But its too early to write an obituary for the India-Mauritius DTAA says the author

The author adds his voice of reason to the strident debate on the pros and cons of the Lokpal bill. The author argues that while the proposal to bring the judiciary under the scrutiny of the Lokpal is well-intentioned, it will adversely affect the fearlessness and independence of the judiciary and have disastrous consequences. Instead, the author suggests measures to curb corruption in the judiciary

The author lashes out at the proposal of the Government to enact a new law to regulate lawyers, claiming that it will be an immense waste of public money. Instead, if the Government is really serious of protecting the interests of the public, then there is a series of steps it can take under the existing legislation to promote the rule of law and enhance standards in the profession, says the author

The author raises the seminal question as to why, while the Tribunal has all the trappings of a Court, does it not have the power to punish for contempt. He cautions lower authorities that the lack of contempt power is no reason for not following the binding judgements of the Tribunal. He also makes a fervent plea to all practitioners to uphold the honour & dignity of the great Institution

Despite vehement protests by the legal fraternity, service-tax on legal consultancy services has become a reality. The author, an eminent expert in service-tax law, has prepared this Guide to bail out bewildered lawyers wondering how to comply with their newly-imposed service-tax obligation. A pdf copy of the Guide is available for download