JAMMU: In a Public Interest Litigation filed by Balvinder Singh and others regarding recovery of Sales Tax and Vat from all the defaulters, who had failed to pay the sales tax under the J and K General Sales Tax Act and J and K VAT Act, Division Bench of the state High Court comprising Chief Justice M.M Kumar and Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur after hearing Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi with Advocate Deewakar Sharma appearing for the PIL whereas Senior AAG Gagan Basotra appearing for the State observed that in pursuance of earlier order passed by this Court, Chief Secretary held a meeting of Secretaries of numerous departments and impressed upon them to clear the arrears and certain directions were issued by the Chief Secretary to all the officers/field agencies. The requisite information has been furnished in the affidavit filed by the Chief Secretary.
Division Bench further observed that in pursuance of the directions issued by the Chief Secretary, the Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department held two meetings, which have been reflected in the status report filed by the Commissioner, Commercial Taxes, J and K Government.
The details suggested that arrears by some of the departments have been fully paid in Jammu and Kashmir Divisions. However, the arrears in respect of many other departments are still outstanding. The status of recovery from February, 2014 upto 30th June, 2014 has been reflected in the affidavit dated 4th July, 2014. In the status, it has been stated that Rs.4.63 crore has been recovered in Kashmir Division and Rs.4.36 crore has been recovered in Jammu Division and total recovery of Rs.8.99 crore has been made. With regard to un-recovered amount tabulated information has been furnished in the report and steps are required to be taken to recover the same, granted six weeks time to file status report regarding the amount yet to be recovered. JNF
