Excessive tax is social injustice by Government, says Chief Justice Bobde

January 24: Speaking at the 79th foundation day celebrations of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Chief Justice of India, S A Bobde remarked on Friday “excessive taxation” can be seen as a form of social injustice imposed on the people. He said, “While tax evasion is social injustice to fellow citizens, arbitrary or excessive tax also results in social injustice by the government itself.”

Drawing an analogy, the CJI referred to ancient taxation laws in India and said that tax should be collected from people like a honey bee draws nectar from a flower without harming it. Bobde also made a case for speedy resolution of tax disputes saying it will act as an incentive for tax payers and free the funds locked in litigation.

With only a week to the Union Budget 2020, the top judge’s suggestion comes at a time when the country’s economy is going through a worrying growth slowdown amid high inflation and a weakening rupee.