Now Kolkata High Court stays service-tax levy on senior advocates

[SANDESH SHINDE]

Dear Sir,

Please explain regarding Now Kolkata High Court stays service-tax levy on senior advocates, Service Tax : Prima facie, budget notifications nos. 9/2016-ST, 18/2016-ST and 19/2016-ST imposing service tax on legal services provided by 'senior advocates' under forward charge may unreasonably prejudice Senior Advocates; hence, said notifications and consequent levy of service tax on senior advocates was stayed.Thanks & regards.

AI Summary

Kolkata High Court halts service tax on senior advocates, challenging budget notifications 9/2016-ST, 18/2016-ST, 19/2016-ST. The Kolkata High Court has stayed the imposition of service tax on senior advocates, which was mandated by budget notifications 9/2016-ST, 18/2016-ST, and 19/2016-ST. These notifications required senior advocates to pay service tax under forward charge, a move perceived as unfair. The stay was granted following a petition challenging this levy. The government has contested these stay orders in the Supreme Court. Discussions in the forum highlight differing views on the rationale behind imposing this tax and the anticipation of the Supreme Court's decision on the matter.