Section 278B of the Income-tax Act imposes draconian consequences of prosecution upon directors for offenses committed by the Company. Advocate Rahul K. Hakani has explained the nature and scope of liability and also drawn attention to all the important judgements on the subject
1. Introduction
Numerous occasions arise when it is alleged that an offence under any Act is committed by a company and prosecution is invariably sought to be launched against the company, its directors and some of its executives. As "Company" is an artificial person created by law, and is capable of acting only through human agency occupying the position of directors and executives, it is but natural that all such persons are charged for the offence.