In the much talked about Dhanush tax exemption case, Madras HC slammed Dhanush and further rejected case withdrawal plea. The Madras High Court also directed Dhanush to pay his remaining Rs. 30 lakhs of tax within 48 hours to the Commercial Taxes department. The case pertains to a Rolls Royce Ghost Dhanush imported from the UK for which he had to pay Rs. 60.66 lakhs as tax.
Details
The Madras HC came down hard on Raanjhana actor Dhanush who was seeking to withdraw a petition which sought tax exemption. The withdrawal plea was submitted by Dhanush’s lawyer who wanted to take back the tax exemption plea after the Madras HC slammed popular celebrity actor Vijay who also sought similar tax exemption for his luxury sports car import. It should be noted that the son-in-law of megastar Rajinikanth and actor, producer, singer Dhanush had submitted the plea in 2015.
The Facts of the Matter
Recently, the Madras High Court was hearing a tax exemption plea submitted by Dhanush. However, after the HC rejected a similar plea by actor Vijay, Dhanush’s counsel wanted to withdraw the plea. However, the bench of Justice S.M. Subramaniam refused the petition and observed that Dhanush was seeking to withdraw the plea after the case was taken up for a hearing in the High Court.
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“Will cry fly in air if you buy from foreign?”
Pointing out the glaring issue in the matter, the HC observed-
“You are going to drive the car on the roads which is laid by the taxpayers’ money. Will the car fly in air if you buy from foreign? Every citizen who puts petrol for Rs 50 pays taxes. Buy a helicopter too. It is unacceptable not to pay taxes on it. Even daily wagers are buying soap, which is taxed. Are they filing a case?”
Dhanush Asked to Pay Tax in 48 Hours
Further, the court also asked Dhanush to pay the remaining amount within 48 hours. The Madras HC also said how the courts are overburdened with several cases and in such situation, certain guidelines must be followed. Further, the court directed that petitioners must mention their profession in such situation as both Dhanush and Vijay had not mentioned their profession.
The Vijay Rolls-Royce Case
Earlier last month, the Madras HC had dismissed another petition filed by South Indian superstar Vijay. The plea was filed in 2012 and sought tax exemption for the Rolls Royce Ghost the superstar had imported from the UK.
The HC Justice S.M. Subramaniam also criticized “reel heros” who look for ways to avoid tax payment and said how taxes are major stream of revenue for infrastructure. Further, the Justice also came down hard on Vijay for not mentioning the fact that he was an actor.
“Surprising Petitioner Has Not Even…”
Justice Subramaniam was quoted saying-
“It is surprising to note that the petitioner has not even stated his profession or occupation in his affidavit. He has imported a prestigious costly car from England but unfortunately, not paid entry tax as per the statutes. He has filed a writ petition to avoid payment of tax… The petitioner, who is a reputed cine actor, is expected to pay the tax promptly and punctually.”
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Tax Evasion “Anti-National Habit”
The judge further said how tax evasion is an “anti-national habit”.
“In the State of Tamil Nadu, cine heroes have risen as rulers of the State and therefore, the people are under the impression that they are real heroes. Thus, they are not expected to behave like reel heroes. Tax evasion is to be construed as an anti-national habit, attitude and mindset and unconstitutional,”
-Justice S.M. Subramaniam observed.
