Condonation of Delay in Tax Refund: Analyzing the Right to Interest

Right to interest on tax refunds when delay is condoned depends on whether delay is attributable to the taxpayer.

Right to interest on tax refunds where delay has been condoned turns on whether the delay is attributable to the taxpayer; administrative lapses such as failure to issue TDS documentation or inform the taxpayer are central to entitlement. Precedent imposing an obligation to refund public money received without right, including interest, is applied against provisions limiting interest for belated claims, requiring interpretation of circulars and consistent administrative guidance to protect taxpayer fairness.