Inadvertent delay in tax scheme payment condoned as genuine deposit with interest was accepted

A short inadvertent delay in payment of the balance amount under the Income Declaration Scheme, 2016 was treated as genuine and capable of condonation where the required amount, with interest at 12% per annum, had already been deposited. On those facts, the Supreme Court accepted that the brief delay should not defeat compliance and directed acceptance of the deposit with interest.

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Issues: Whether a short inadvertent delay in payment of the balance amount under the Income Declaration Scheme, 2016 could be condoned and the deposited amount with interest could be accepted.

Analysis: The delay was only for a few days and was treated as inadvertent. The amounts directed by the Court, together with interest at 12% per annum, had already been deposited, and the circumstances were found to be genuine. On these facts, the Court held that the short delay ought to be condoned and the deposit accepted.

Conclusion: The delay was condoned and the respondents were directed to accept the deposited amount with interest.

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