ITO (E) v. Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association ( 2018) 193 TTJ 256// 163 DTR 113/ 66 ITR 14( SN) (Chd.)(Trib) , www.itatonline.org

S. 254(2A) : Appellate Tribunal – Interim stay-Contempt- Strictures passed against the Department for confronting, showing resentment and displeasure to the Tribunal for granting interim stay against recovery of demand. Petition of revenue was dismissed with costs of Rs. 20,000/- to be deposited in Prime Minister’s Relief fund within 15 days of receipt of the copy of this order. [ S. 11 ]

The Tribunal held that department officials fully knowing that no useful purpose will be served either by moving the present application and even knowing that the present application was infructuous and non-maintainable even on the date of its filing, not only filed this application, but also insisted for arguments despite that the hearing on the main appeal had already been concluded on a previous date. The only motive behind this application is to confront and show resentment and displeasure to this Tribunal for granting interim stay against recovery in this matter. This application is therefore dismissed with costs of Rs. 20,000/- to be deposited in Prime Minister’s Relief fund within 15 days of receipt of the copy of this order. While ordering so, we are cautious that it will not result into any loss to the Govt. Exchequer but the movement of some funds from one branch of the Govt. to the other perhaps will convey the message of caution to the concerned officials. However, keeping judicial restraint, no contempt of court proceedings recommended at this stage. Strictures passed against the Department for confronting, showing resentment and displeasure to the Tribunal for granting interim stay against recovery of demand. The Dept is showing open defiance of, disrespect of, or of open resentment to, orders of the Tribunal, which may prove be very dangerous for the sanctity of the courts of law/Justice dispensation system of the country. ( MA No. 37/chd/2018, dt. 06.04.2018)(AY. 2013-14)