Delay in payment under IDS due to demonetization unacceptable- HC dismisses writ

Facts:

a) The petitioner had filed a declaration under the Income Declaration Scheme, 2016 (IDS) declaring total undisclosed income of Rs.11.59 crores.

b) He was unable to deposit the amount of Rs.1.19 crores being 25% of income declared which he was required to deposit before 30th November, 2016 under IDS in view of the demonetization of Rs.500/- and Rs.1000/-currency notes on 8th November, 2016.

c) Thus, he filed writ before the High Court seeking a direction to the Revenue to accept Rs.1.19 crores which he was unable to deposit on or before 30th November, 2016.

High Court held as under:

1) There was no provision under the IDS or in the rules made there under which would permit the revenue to accept payment of tax after due date.

2) High Court couldn’t issue any such directions as the revenue authorities were obliged to act in accordance with the Income Declaration Scheme, 2016 which was a part of the Finance Act, 2016

3) It must be borne in mind that the IDS was optional and the dates of payment were known at the time of filing the declaration. Therefore, filing writ seeking direction to accept payment of tax after due date wasn’t maintainable. [2017] 80 taxmann.com 167 (Bombay)