2026 (2) TMI 451 - HC - Income Tax

Refund claim with statutory interest ordered to be processed and paid within eight weeks; authorities directed to act expeditiously

Petitioner's refund claim for tax amounts including up-to-date statutory interest under the relevant law was addressed; Revenue acknowledged no impediment ... Refund claim along with up-to-date statutory interest u/s 244A - Revenue fairly states that there is no impediment in processing the petitioner’s claim for refund in accordance with law. HELD THAT:- The concerned authorities are directed to process the petitioner’s claim for refund along with the interest in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible and preferably within a period of eight weeks from today. Issues: Whether the respondent is required to process and grant the petitioner's claim for refund of Rs. 21,07,19,508/- along with statutory interest under Section 244A of the Income-tax Act.Analysis: The petition seeks issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the tax authority to issue the claimed refund with up-to-date statutory interest under Section 244A of the Income-tax Act. The Revenue has represented that there is no impediment to processing the refund claim in accordance with law. The Court directed the concerned authorities to process the petitioner's claim for refund along with interest in accordance with law, and to do so expeditiously and preferably within eight weeks from the date of the order.Conclusion: The petition is allowed and the respondent is directed to process and grant the petitioner's refund claim of Rs. 21,07,19,508/- with statutory interest under Section 244A of the Income-tax Act in accordance with law, expeditiously and preferably within eight weeks.