Delhi HC directs IT dept to allow lawyers to file returns without Aadhaar [Read Order]

The Delhi High Court last week directed the Income Tax Department to accept the income tax returns of lawyers Mukul Talwar and Vrinda Grover without asking for Aadhaar linkage, provided that they are duly filed before June 30..Talwar and Grover had filed a petition in the High Court through Advocate Prasanna S, challenging Rule 12(3) of the Income Tax Rules as being violative of Article 14 of the Constitution..Appearing for the petitioners, Senior Advocates Kirti Uppal and Rebecca John contended that the refusal to accept income tax returns is arbitrary and without authority of law. A circular of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) was also cited, through which the time for linking PAN with Aadhaar was extended till June 30..The Division Bench of Justices S Ravindra Bhat and AK Chawla issued notice to the Revenue Department, seeking its response to the petition. It was held,.“Having regard to the above facts and circumstances the respondents are hereby directed to ensure that the petitioners’ returns are accepted without indicating any linkage with Aadhaar No./quoting Aadhaar Enrolment No. or quoting Aadhaar No. with PAN details in accordance with the above circular, provided they are duly filed before 30.06.2018.”.The matter will next be heard on May 14..Read Order: