Allahabad HC Restrains State From Taking Coercive Action Against UP Congress On Rs. 51 Lakh Notice [Read Order]

In a relief to the Congress Party, Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, on Thursday, restrained the State and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation from taking any coercive steps against the party on a seizure notice issued by the civic body. The notice sought recovery of Rs. 51 lakh house tax dues on the headquarters of the state unit of the party in the city's Mall Avenue area.

The Bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar and Justice Rajan Roy was hearing a Petition filed by UP Congress Committee Chief Mr. Raj Babbar, who had alleged that the notice was issued without making any assessment for fixation of tax. The authorities have, however, disputed this claim, submitting that the assessment has already been done.

In view of this conflict of fact, the Court directed the authorities to file a counter affidavit with supporting documents. Listing the matter on 23 January, it then directed, "No coercive steps shall be taken till next date of listing".