The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has ordered the unfreezing of the bank accounts belonging to the Congress and its youth wing – Indian Youth Congress just hours after they were frozen by the Income Tax department. The move comes after the Congress filed an appeal with the tribunal following a demand for the recovery of Rs 210 crore by the tax authorities.
The Congress alleges that the freeze was politically motivated and strategically timed to disrupt the party's election preparations. Sources revealed to the Buckstopper that the Income Tax department cited two grounds for the freeze: On account of non filing of return of income within time limit prescribed by section 139(4B) of Income Tax Act thereby violating provisions of Section 13 A of the Act for the FY 2018 and on account of accepting donations in excess of ₹2,000 in cash amounting to ₹11.49 lacs
Legal Battle Looms: Tribunal to Hear Matter Next Wednesday
The tribunal's decision to unfreeze the accounts provides temporary relief to the Congress. However, the matter is far from resolved, as the tribunal is set to hear the case next Wednesday before making a final decision. Meanwhile, the government maintains that it had nothing to do with the freeze, attributing it to a “regulatory action.”
Congress Alleges Attack on Democracy
Early morning, addressing the media, Congress Treasurer Ajay Maken expressed outrage over the freezing of the party's bank accounts, labelling it as an attack on democracy. Maken stated, “What does the government want to show by freezing the accounts of the main Opposition party just a few weeks before the announcement of elections?” He further questioned the grounds cited by the Income Tax department for the freeze, calling them “laughable.”
Party president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the government's actions, accusing it of abusing power. He called upon the judiciary to safeguard India's democracy and vowed to continue the fight against what he perceives as injustice and dictatorship.
Party leader Rahul Gandhi also took to social media to criticise the Modi government, asserting that “Money is not Congress party's power.”
Congress Demands BJP's Accounts Be Frozen**
Demanding parity, the Congress demanded that the BJP's accounts should also be frozen for allegedly having unconstitutional bonds.
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