New Delhi, May 26 : The Delhi High Court has dismissed the petitions filed by Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, challenging the Income Tax department’s decision to transfer their assessments to the Central Circle instead of a regular assessment. The matter in question relates to arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. The court has also rejected similar petitions by other entities, including the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Trust, Jawahar Bhawan Trust, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust, Young Indian, and the Aam Aadmi Party.
The Gandhis contested the order issued by the Income Tax principal commissioner, which transferred their cases for the assessment year 2018-19 to the Central Circle. Central Circles are responsible for investigating tax evasion and examining the evidence gathered during searches by the investigation wing.
While delivering the verdict, a bench comprising Justices Manmohan and Dinesh Kumar Sharma stated, “The assessments of the petitioners have been transferred to the Central Circle in accordance with the law. The present writ petitions are dismissed.” The bench further emphasized that although guilt cannot be assumed based on association or relationship, the assessments were transferred for the purpose of a coordinated investigation.
The court clarified that the jurisdiction of the Central Circle is not limited to search cases, and no taxpayer has a fundamental or vested legal right to be assessed by a specific assessing officer. It also noted that it has not examined the merits of the controversy between the parties.
The Gandhis opposed the transfer of their cases to the Central Circle, arguing that they have no connection with the cases involving the Sanjay Bhandari group. Sanjay Bhandari, who is wanted in India on money laundering charges, has allegedly been linked to Robert Vadra, Priyanka Gandhi’s husband, regarding a London-based flat. Vadra has denied any business connections with Bhandari.
