Search and seizure powers expanded to include virtual digital spaces, compelled access and evidentiary presumptions for tax investigations.
Clause 247 authorises income tax officers to enter and search physical premises and virtual digital spaces when records or assets relevant to tax proceedings or undisclosed income are believed to be present, including compelled technical assistance, overriding access codes, copying electronic data, inventory and seizure (excluding stock in trade), and deemed seizure where removal is impracticable; it cross references IT law, applies evidentiary presumptions to found material, and provides limited procedural timelines and approvals while leaving detailed safeguards and rules to be prescribed.