Change in section 15A Central Excise Act 1944

[Asked by Guest]

According to the recent change in section 15A which empower Excise officer to demand any information from any assessee or authority prescribe therein.

My view is that under this amendment, an excise officer can demand information only for rectification of any returns filed by us and not for any other information he may seeks for other purpose. If so then penalty clause will also not applicable

AI Summary

Information reporting obligations expanded: prescribed authorities may require returns and penalties apply for non submission.
Section 15A empowers the Central Government to prescribe authorities or agencies to receive information returns from specified persons, enabling collection of data to identify tax evasion or recover dues; section 15B provides for imposition of penalties if the prescribed information return is not submitted. The amendment is explained as applying to designated recipients such as tax and regulatory authorities, and commentators confirm the power to require information is not confined to return rectification and may attract penalties on non submission.