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Validity of sections 276C(1) and 276CC of the Income-tax Act, 1961 challenged as violative of articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India; Jurisdiction of the order passed under section 279(1) for assessment years 1988-89 to 1991-92 challenged; Complaint filed before the Special Court for Economic Offences at Bangalore prayed to be quashed. Analysis: The validity of sections 276C(1) and 276CC of the Income-tax Act, 1961 was challenged on the grounds of being violative of articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India. The petitioners argued that the provisions for compensation through interest for delay in payment of tax or submission of returns should preclude prosecution, as it amounts to total punishment prohibited under article 21. However, the court held that interest, penalty, and prosecution are distinct, and the compensation through interest does not eliminate the underlying offense. The court cited previous cases to support the differentiation between penalty and prosecution, concluding that the provisions were not ultra vires. Another issue raised was the necessity for the Commissioner of Income-tax to pass orders only after instructions or directions were issued by the Chief Commissioner for institution of prosecution proceedings. The court clarified that under section 279(1) of the Act, the previous sanction for prosecution can be granted by the Commissioner or Commissioner (Appeals) without explicit directions from the Chief Commissioner or Director-General. The court emphasized that the absence of specific directions does not invalidate the Commissioner's power to sanction prosecution. Prior to 1989, only the Commissioner had the authority to grant such sanctions. In conclusion, the court dismissed the writ petitions challenging the validity of sections 276C(1) and 276CC, as well as the jurisdiction of the order passed under section 279(1). The petitioners were granted the opportunity to raise objections before the appropriate court with jurisdiction. The judgment affirmed the legality of the provisions in question and clarified the powers of the Commissioner in granting sanctions for prosecution under the Income-tax Act, 1961.
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