Privy Council affirms High Court decision on Bengal Public Demands Recovery Act certificate validity.

DOORGA PROSAD Versus THE SECRETARY OF STATE

DOORGA PROSAD Versus THE SECRETARY OF STATE - [1945] 13 ITR 285 (PC) Issues:
Validity of a certificate issued under the Bengal Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913.

Analysis:
The judgment involves an appeal challenging the validity of a certificate issued under the Bengal Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913. The key issue is whether a certificate dated 1st April, 1933, issued under the Act is valid. The appellant also claims that the certificate became unenforceable due to subsequent events. However, the court opined that relief must be based on circumstances existing at the time of filing the suit.

The certificate in question was issued by the Income-tax Officer, Howrah, under the Indian Income-tax Act, 1922, for outstanding taxes and penalties. The certificate transformed the claim into a public demand under the Bengal Public Demands Recovery Act. The appellant challenged the certificate's validity, leading to a legal dispute.

The Bengal Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913, outlines the procedures for filing and challenging certificates. Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7 detail the process of filing, serving notices, and responding to certificates. Section 34 allows the certificate-debtor to challenge the certificate in a Civil Court within a specified period.

The appellant contested the certificate on various grounds, including the filing process, the absence of a requisition, and the name of the certificate holder. The court addressed each objection, ruling that the certificate was validly filed, no requisition was necessary, and the name on the certificate did not affect its validity.

Furthermore, the court clarified that the absence of a specific period in the certificate did not invalidate it, as income tax becomes due upon demand and is not tied to a particular period. The High Court of Calcutta upheld the validity of the certificate, leading to the dismissal of the appellant's suit.

Ultimately, the Privy Council dismissed the appeal, concurring with the High Court's decision. The judgment reaffirmed the validity of the certificate issued under the Bengal Public Demands Recovery Act, 1913, and advised the dismissal of the appeal with costs.