IT officials face heat after exposing high-profile cases

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

Income Tax officials are facing the heat from several quarters after

bringing to light several high profile cases relating to

non-governmental organisations as well as powerful establishments like

BCCI.

It is learnt that transfer orders were issued against income tax

officials in Exemptions department as well as Central Charge (which

looks into cases pertaining to raids) and both have went on appeal

against it.

In one case, a Income Tax official in Exemptions department was

transferred to Income Tax Appellate Tribunal without the concurrence

of Finance Minister, according to documents available with Express.

As per the transfer placement guidelines 2010, the transfer at the

level of commissioner and above should be recommended by the placement

committee with the approval of finance minister through revenue

secretary and minister of state for finance (revenue).

However, the guidelines were given a go-by and the official was

transferred as per the directive of Central Board of Direct Tax

chairperson.

It is also learnt that as per the transfer policy, senior officials

have to put in eight years of continuous stay in field postings in a

metropolitan city like Chennai and five years in Tier-II cities

besides three years in other stations. However, both officials had

completed only three years.

The pressure was such against the officials that it was maintained

that a “complaint” against them was considered as the cause for

transfer.

However, this was exposed through a RTI which stated that no

complaints are pending against the official.

Interestingly, the Madras Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal has

set aside the transfer order. This is now being challenged in the High

Court by CBDT and Finance Ministry.

While the matter is sub-judice as both CBDT and Finance Ministry

approached Madras High Court against CAT order, the official was given

another transfer order. This time it was to Patna and it is learnt

that the official has approached the court again.

Similarly, another official in the Central Charge (in-charge of raids)

was also transferred to Audit but he approached CAT and his order was

also set aside.