The tax allegedly sought to be evaded exceeded Rs. 25 lakhs, and the prosecution was sanctioned by the Principal CIT. On writ, the assessee contended that approval of a collegium of two Chief CIT/Director General of Income-tax rank officers was necessary. The High Court held that, under CBDT Circular No. 24 of 2019, as clarified by Circular No. 5 of 2020, cases involving tax evasion exceeding Rs. 25 lakhs require approval of the sanctioning authority, namely the Principal CIT, whereas the requirement of approval by a collegium applies to specified smaller cases. Accordingly, the sanction granted by the Principal CIT was valid. (AY. 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15, 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21 & 2022-23)