Vivad se Vishwas Scheme's restrictive interpretation risks unsustainability; rigid cutoff dates challenge its tax dispute resolution goal.

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

Full Text of the Document

X X   X X   Extracts   X X   X X

....Benefit of Vivad se Vishwas Scheme - the stand taken by the department is not sustainable. To begin with the act was framed for resolution of the disputed taxes and the matters connected therewith and thereto. The resolution of disputed taxes is thus prime purpose of enactment of the act. We would therefore adopt an interpretation which would further this intention instead of restricting its scope. More importantly what the CBDT had done under its circular dated 04.12.2020 was to issue a clarification. A clarification by its very nature is declaratory. If for applicability of such clarification a cut off date is introduced it would run counter to the very concept of a clarification. If the CBDT circular is not read-down as to remove the rigors of the cut off date by holding that the same is not sacrosanct the same may suffer from vice of arbitrariness.- HC....