Income Tax Notices Serve Blow to Left Parties

Left parties, including the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), have found themselves embroiled in tax controversies, as notices from the Income Tax department reveal violations and demand hefty dues. The CPI has reportedly been asked to pay ₹11 crore for using outdated Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards, while the CPI(M) faced a ₹15.59 crore tax levy for failing to declare a bank account in its tax returns for 2016-17.

Despite contestations and claims of oversight, the Income Tax department has proceeded with final orders, leaving the left-leaning organizations to navigate legal challenges. The CPI(M) has even resorted to filing a writ petition in the Delhi High Court, seeking reprieve from the tax burden imposed by the department. As the matter remains unresolved and sub-judice, it underscores the financial and legal challenges confronting the Left parties amidst mounting tax scrutiny.