Section 24(5) permits recovery of company tax dues from...

Section 24(5) permits recovery of company tax dues from directors of a private company in liquidation only after recovery from the company itself has become impossible, including where recovery is barred by insolvency or no assets remain. Before attaching directors' bank accounts, the tax authority must disclose the foundational basis for alleging gross negligence, misfeasance or breach of duty, so that directors get an opportunity to object. Because the notice failed to state that basis, the bank attachment was not compliant with the statute and was set aside, with liberty to proceed afresh in accordance with the section.