S. 244A : Refunds-Interest on refunds –Equalisation levy-Refund Interest on refund equalisation levy paid by assessee after three years compensation for use and retention of money collected in excess-Direction for payment of interest at rate of six per cent. From April 1 of the year following the financial year in which excess payments were made by assessee till date of actual refund-When the collection is illegal, there is a corresponding obligation on the Department to refund such amount with interest inasmuch as they have retained and enjoyed the money deposited. A refund due and payable to the assessee is a debt owed and payable by the Department.[Finance Act, 2016, ss. 164(i), 165, 166, 168(1), Art. 226]
Group M Media India Pvt. Ltd. v. Dy. CIT (IT) [2023] 157 taxmann.com 487 / (2025) 483 ITR 593 (Bom)(HC)