"Digitization Being Implemented At Rapid Pace In The Arena Of Direct Taxes": Delhi HC Asks DGIT To Resolve Glitches In Income Tax Portal

The Delhi High Court has asked the Director General of Income Tax to resolve the glitches in the income tax portal while observing that the new software should be tested on a large sample base of assesses before putting it to use for general public.

"Since digitisation is being implemented at a rapid pace in the arena of Direct Taxes and a policy decision has been taken to reduce human interface, this Court is of the view that public at large should be asked to use the new software and programme only after the said programme/software has been tested prior in time on a sufficiently large sample base of assesses," Justice Manmohan and Justice Navin Chawla observed.

The new income tax e-filing portal was launched in May this year for the purpose of immediate processing of IT Returns and quick refunds to taxpayers.

The Court was of the view that the new computer programme/software should be flexible enough to incorporate the implementation of Court's earlier orders passed in the matter.

"For this purpose, if any policy initiative is required, the DGIT (Systems) should take up the issue with CBDT," the Court added.

During the course of hearing, DGIT (systems), Ms. Pragya Sahay Saksena stated that the directorate was making efforts to resolve the issues flagged in all the three orders issued by the High Court on previous instances regarding the technical flaws in the system.

The Court also highlighted practical instances of glitches and shortcomings in the computer programme and software.

Assurance was given by Saksena to the Court that her directorate would take steps to improve co-ordination and feedback in the software.

Seeking status report from the respondent authorities within two weeks, the matter was adjourned to September 23.

Title: KRISHAN AGARWAL v. PR. COMMISSIONER OF INCOME TAX 7 & ANR.

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