High Court Rejects Writ Against IT Dept.; Search on Lockers Worth Rs. 4.6 Cr Upheld:

High Court Rejects Writ Against IT Dept.; Search on Lockers Worth Rs. 4.6 Cr Upheld The petitioners filed a writ petition challenging the search and seizure carried out on May 11, 2024, under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The searches were conducted on Locker Nos. 179, 163, and 175 at South Delhi Vaults, Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi, leading to the recovery of gold bullion, jewellery, diamonds, cash, and other valuables worth nearly Rs. 4.6 crore. The petitioners argued that the seized valuables were disclosed assets, ancestral property, or belonged to family members, including a minor daughter. They contended that the CBDT Instruction No. 1916 (1994) exempted specified quantities of jewellery from seizure and that the searches were conducted without valid “reasons to believe,” amounting to a fishing and roving inquiry. The Revenue defended the searches, stating that proper authorisation was obtained, summons were issued, and the petitioners failed to provide supporting bills or documents for the assets. It was further contended that lockers were being used in a benami manner inconsistent with the petitioners’ financial profiles. Main Issue: Whether the search and seizure conducted under Section 132 on the petitioners’ lockers were invalid for want of proper “reasons to believe” and non-compliance with CBDT instructions. HC's Decision: The Court examined the satisfaction note and official records and found that the authorising officer had sufficient material to form a bona fide belief that the petitioners possessed undisclosed income and assets. It held that the three clauses of Section 132(1) are mutually exclusive, and satisfaction of any one suffices for authorising a search. The Bench clarified that the sufficiency of information for forming “reasons to believe” cannot be examined in writ jurisdiction. It rejected the plea that compliance with CBDT Instruction No. 1916 absolved the petitioners from explaining the source of seized bullion and jewellery. Relying on precedents like Seth Brothers, Laljibhai Mandalia, and Spacewood Furnishers, the Court held that the searches were neither mala fide nor arbitrary. Thus, the writ petition was dismissed, and the search and seizure were upheld as lawful. To Read Full Judgment, Download PDF Given Below