Income Tax Department Temporarily Halts Coercive Action Against Congress Amidst Lok Sabha Elections

In a significant development, the Income Tax Department has assured the Supreme Court that it will refrain from taking coercive measures against the Indian National Congress regarding tax demands amounting to approximately ₹3,500 crore. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the department, conveyed this stance to the Supreme Court, citing the ongoing Lok Sabha elections as a reason for the temporary halt in enforcement actions.

The department’s decision comes amidst appeals pending in the Supreme Court, which are not directly linked to the demands raised in March. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Congress, lauded the department’s gesture as “gracious,” acknowledging the timing of the tax notices issued before and during the election period.