IT officer takes written signed declaration without copy or receipt --- legal?

[Asked by Guest]

One of my clients was sent a summon to appear before an IT officer because IT dept found his declaration of assets incomplete. He duly appeared before the IT officer and was told to write down a declaration of assets, which he did. When he asked to retain a copy for his records, the IT officer told him that is not allowed, and the only way to get a copy of his own declaration was to file an RTI. I believe my client is entitled to retain a copy of the declaration he wrote. He got no other receipt or acknowledgment that he even reported to the IT office and provided all documents asked for. I think he was entitled to that too.

The whole encounter reeked of collecting confession under duress without witness. My client was 100% honest, by the way. No evasion was ever attempted.

Is there any specific article in the IT Act that permits an IT officer to collect a declaration without returning a true copy?

[DR.MARIAPPAN GOVINDARAJAN]

Your client is having right to receive the copy of the declaration.

AI Summary

Right to copy of declaration ensures individuals may retain or obtain acknowledgement when submitting statements to tax officers.
The person subjected to an income-tax inquiry who wrote and signed a declaration was denied a copy and any receipt; the advisory reply affirms the person has a right to receive a copy of the declaration and, by implication, an acknowledgement of attendance or submission during the inquiry.