The Minister of State for Finance, Shri S. S. Palanimanickam, gave the below information in written reply to a question raised in Lok Sabha.The Income Tax Department, assisted by the Enforcement Directorate, has conducted searches and seizure operation recently in various States of the country. Various lockers, bank accounts and premises are under propitiatory orders as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The seized documents/materials are being further investigated.
The search actions in some cases, prime-facie, indicate Hawala transactions and that the properties are more than the income earned. Search and Seizure action, as per the Income Tax Act, 1961, are a continuous and ongoing process based on information in the possession of the Income Tax Department. The evidences gathered during search and seizure actions are used in assessment or re-assessment proceedings of the relevant persons, as per Income Tax Act, which becomes final when assessments before the Assessing Officer and appeals before CIT (Appeals), ITAT, High Courts or Supreme Court are completed. Suitable action as per law would be taken against those found guilty.
