Dr Hasmukh Adhia, Revenue Secretary, Government of India, has tendered a public apology for the harassment meted out to taxpayers owing to the CBDT\u2019s adamant stand in not extending the due date for filing the return of income despite the department being clearly at fault for delay in preparing the forms. <\/p>\n
The Gujarat High Court was scathing in its strictures<\/a>. It plainly stated that there was laxity and default on the part of the CBDT in providing the utilities. It held that the CBDT ought to have shown grace in extending the time limit and expressed surprise at the adamant stand taken by the department despite the entire default being attributed to it. <\/p>\n The P&H High Court<\/a> expressed the same sentiment. <\/p>\n After such scathing strictures, one would have expected the CBDT to eat humble pie and quietly extended the due date. However, it stayed adamant and compounded the matter by issuing an extension order only for taxpayers resident in the States of Punjab & Haryana and Gujarat<\/a>. Even this extension was veiled in the threat that it was subject to the outcome of the appeal that may be filed in the Supreme Court. Taxpayers in other States were left high and dry to fend for themselves. <\/p>\n This was a clear act of defiance by the CBDT to the sentiments expressed by the High Courts. How could the CBDT discriminate so blatantly between taxpayers in different States? <\/p>\n Understandably, the taxpayers were outraged by the decision and took to twitter and other blogs to tear the department apart. <\/p>\n \u201cAnother example of ‘EASE OF DOING BUSINESS IN INDIA’ In any civilised Society the administration would admit the burden imposed on its citizens caused by its own (as yet unexplained reasons) here the bureaucrats want to show just what enormous power they wield And then we hold shows abroad asking for businesses to come to INDIA!<\/em>\u201d Guru Raj said<\/a>. <\/p>\n Manish Parikh<\/a> couldn\u2019t conceal his contempt for the department: \u201cSir, its nothing but the sheer misuse of unwarranted powers enjoyed by highly egoistic IRS, IAS officers \u2013 where nobody is able to question them for the delay in devising & releasing few ITR forms in time, inspite of having the whole governmental machinery at their disposal \u2013 while at the same time they have the arrogance of going to Supreme Court against the very reasonable & practical High Court directions. They are enjoying same powers bestowed under the those ACTS devised during British Raj wherein they wanted to give this COMPLEX OF INFERIORITY in public minds so that they can make merry. Have seen highly respected knowledgeable CAs, Advocates, consultants stand with folded hands in front of an ordinary officer for fear of harassment – aka british raj\u201d<\/em> he said in a tone of despair. <\/p>\n Twitter was also witness to several caustic comments from taxpayers: \u201cWhat a hypocrite law bodies, the laws should be uniformly applied !!!..why just for those who refute\u201d<\/em> @deepalidp<\/a> said. <\/p>\n \u201cthe govt is truly arrogant. It has told entire CA community to go to dogs on extension of IT return date\u201d<\/em> @sanrawal<\/a> lamented. <\/p>\n \u201cHow ridiculous! Smacks of arrogance! Harassing tax payers for bureaucracy’s lethargy!\u201d<\/em> @AshishM2<\/a> said. <\/p>\n \u201cTurned out to be a #digital divide! Not seen such an adamant stand. This will increase litigant approach. God bless\u201d<\/em> @carvk<\/a> said. <\/p>\n \u201cyesterday circular by cbdt extending the date in Punjab proves that income tax act is state subject not central!!\u201d<\/em> @MadhuSTapuriah<\/a> said with clear disgust in his tone. <\/p>\n Thankfully, better sense prevailed amongst the powers-that-be today morning. <\/p>\n Dr Hasmukh Adhia sent out a tweet in which he stated that in view of the different verdicts by the High Courts, it had been decided to extend the due date throughout the Country. <\/p>\n Becoz of so many legal verdicts by different courts, we have extended time of filing of audited tax returns upto 31st Oct for whole country<\/p>\n — Dr Hasmukh Adhia (@adhia03) October 1, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n