NewsClick withdraws petition against tax notices in SC, likely to move tax tribunal

NewsClick has withdrawn its petition challenging two income tax assessment notices against it in the Supreme Court in order to move the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal for relief, Bar and Bench reported.

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih allowed NewsClick to withdraw the plea and said that the ITAT is to proceed hearing the matter, including applications for early hearing and interim relief in accordance with law.

The organisation had approached the court against tax assessment orders dated November 3, 2023 and February 20, 2023. In November, the Delhi High Court had rejected its plea, observing that NewsClick prima facie did not have a case in its favour. The organisation had then approached the Supreme Court, which had last month sought the response of the Commissioner of the Central Income Tax Circle.

The outfit on Monday told the court that it is facing difficulties in paying the wages of employees.

The judicial custody of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and HR head Amit Chakraborty was earlier extended till February 17 in the UAPA case by a Delhi court. The former’s plea against his arrest was also adjourned by the Supreme Court.

This report was published with AI assistance.