NEW DELHI: The
Income Tax Appellate Tribunal
(ITAT) on Friday dismissed the plea moved by the
Congress
seeking a stay against action against freezing of its bank accounts.
Senior advocate
Vivek
Tamkha who appeared for Congress requested to keep the order in abeyance for 10 days so that the party can approach the high court. However, the bench declined the same saying that they had no such provision.
Meanwhile, Congress treasurer Ajay Maken said that they are exploring legal options and soon move high court.
Last month, Congress had said the I-T department had withdrawn Rs 65 crore from its various accounts despite its appeal against the tax demand raised earlier being pending with the I-T tribunal.
The I-T department had earlier raised a demand of Rs 210 crore against Congress, and the party had alleged that its bank accounts had been frozen. Congress appealed the order before the ITAT.
"The I-T department mandated banks to transfer over Rs 65 crore from Congress, IYC and NSUI accounts to the govt — Rs 5 crore from IYC and NSUI, and Rs 60.25 crore from INC, marking a concerning move by BJP govt,” Congress treasurer Ajay Maken had said.
“Is it common for national political parties to pay income tax? No. Does the BJP pay Income Tax? No. Why then is Congress Party facing an unprecedented demand of Rs 210 crore,” he asked.
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