The Madras High Court has dismissed as withdrawn the plea moved by S. Geethalakshmi, Vice-Chancellor of the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, seeking to quash the summons issued by the Income Tax department demanding her personal appearance for inquiry.
Dismissing the plea, Justice K. Ravichandra Baabu said, “Don’t try to escape from the clutches of tax inquiry. You are occupying a responsible position and a public office. Income Tax summons has not come from heaven; it has come after searches of your premises.” The judge also made it clear that the court would not interfere in the proceedings or grant extension of time to appear before the authorities.
Claiming that cash, jewels and silver vessels were seized from her house, the petitioner said that she extended full co-operation to the officials.
During the I-T raid, a summon was issued by the department directing her to appear before the officials on April 10, but on her request, the inquiry was postponed to April 12.
Alleging that the summons were not issued as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act and that they were blank without giving particulars about the proceedings, Ms. Geethalakshmi wanted the court to call for the records of the summons and quash the same.