The Ministry of Finance has issued a press release dated 8th December 2017 stating a complaint was received making serious allegations against a Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax for harassing a taxpayer in a scrutiny case with malafide intention. The officer was alleged to have demanded bribe through the taxpayer’s Chartered Accountant for favourably completing the assessment. It is stated that on examination of the case records, serious lapses and irregularities were found which led credence to the allegations made against the officer. It is stated that the Department has zero tolerance to such malpractices and corruption and that pending investigation, the officer has since been placed under suspension.
Income Tax Deptt suspends an officer for harassing the taxpayer.
A complaint was recd making serious allegations against Shri D. K. Meena, Deputy Commissioner,Income Tax, posted at Surendranagar in Gujarat Region for harassing a taxpayer in a scrutiny case with malafide intention— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) December 8, 2017
The Income Tax Department has zero tolerance to malpractices and corruption. Pending investigation, ITax Deptt has placed Deputy Commissioner Surendranagar D. K. Meena, under suspension for harassing a taxpayer in a scrutiny case with malafide intention.https://t.co/O40PbuGJFR
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) December 8, 2017
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
08-December-2017 12:43 ISTIncome Tax Department suspends an officer for harassing the taxpayer
A complaint was received making serious allegations against Shri D. K. Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, posted at Surendranagar in Gujarat Region for harassing a taxpayer in a scrutiny case with malafide intention. The officer was alleged to have demanded illegal gratification through the taxpayer’s Chartered Accountant for favourably completing the assessment. The audio recordings of conversations were also received which, inter alia, mention the bribe amount being demanded by the officers of the Department for settling the case.
In order to verify the veracity of the allegations, case records were requisitioned immediately by the Vigilance Directorate of CBDT. On examination of the case records, serious lapses and irregularities were found which led credence to the allegations made against the officer. The matter is under investigation.
The Department has zero tolerance to such malpractices and corruption. Pending investigation, the officer has since been placed under suspension.
I pray the Almighty to give courage to the officials not to harass the taxpayers and not to ask for bribe. The tax officials should get a message that if they continue harassing the tax payers they may be punished. One may hope the tax officials will stop harassing the tax payers and the time will tell what actually happens in times to come. Those who are caught red handed even get promotions and postings of their choices. It appears that the Government has just done this to gain sympathy and the attitude of tax officials is not expected to change. Still one must hope for the best believing in God.
Highly appreciable action by CBDT. These kind of genuine actions taken will embolden the tax payers’ trust in the Government and will build a direct and healthy interaction between the IT Dept and the Taxpayers.