Transport Ministry notifies Divyang Friendly Features in Buses

Dec 30, 2019 | Business

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified GSR 959 (E) dated 27th December, 2019 for amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules for providing divyang friendly features in buses. The amendment provides for priority seats, signs, securing of crutches/canes/walkers, hand rail/stanchions, controls at priority seats and wheel chair entry/housing/locking arrangement for wheel chair for the divyangjan. Such facilities for differently abled passengers or passengers with reduced mobility will be checked and ensured at the time of Fitness Inspection for Buses.

The amendment shall come into force on 1st March, 2020.

NRW buys tax CD – Voluntary disclosure of tax evasion possible

Dec 30, 2019 | Uncategorized

The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) once again purchased a tax CD at the end of November. The storage medium in question is supposed to contain information on tax evasion. It is still possible to submit a voluntary declaration for tax evasion.

Following an extended period of little activity in terms of the purchase of controversial tax information and revelations such as the Panama and Paradise Papers, the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has once again purchased a tax CD. The data from Belize in Central America is supposed to include controversial information on possible tax offenses. According to media reports, an initial assessment has already been conducted and the data made available to other federal states.

There is nothing inherently wrong with foreign participating interests, financial investments, and accounts. But if these generate income that is subject to tax in Germany, then they must be declared to the authorities. Anyone concealing taxable income from the tax office runs the risk of not only subsequent tax payments, but also fines and potentially even imprisonment. We at the commercial law firm MTR Rechtsanwälte note, however, that it is still possible in many cases to submit a voluntary declaration leading to immunity from tax evasion charges.

That being said, the voluntary declaration can only lead to immunity if it is complete, includes all tax-relevant information from recent years, and is submitted on time, i.e., it needs to be submitted before the tax evasion is discovered by the tax authorities. While it is debatable whether simply purchasing a tax CD constitutes discovery of a tax offense, affected tax offenders ought to take action immediately, because efforts to evaluate the data have already begun. Even if the offense has already been discovered, a voluntary declaration can still have a mitigating effect similar to a confession.

Due to the complexity of the requirements set forth by the legislature in order for a voluntary declaration to lead to immunity, it should not be prepared without the assistance of expert lawyers with experience in the field of tax law, since even minor errors can result in an ineffective voluntary declaration.

Lawyers with experience in the fields of tax law and criminal tax law know what information needs to be included in the voluntary declaration for it to be capable of leading to immunity. The close relationships based on discretion and trust that our team builds with clients mean they can prepare an effective voluntary declaration for tax evasion.

https://www.mtrlegal.com/en/legal-advice/tax-law/voluntary-disclosure.html

Vice President calls for enlightened debate on larger issues

Dec 30, 2019 | Business

The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaih Naidu today called for an enlightened debate on all larger issues and stressed that dissent has to be expressed in a democratic and non-violent manner.

“Constitutional methods and violence do not go together,” he said.

Shri Naidu paid rich tributes to Shri Arun Jaitley on his Birth Anniversary today and went down the memory lane recalling his long association with him.

Releasing a book titled, ‘The Renaissance Man-The Many Facets of Arun Jaitley,’ Shri Naidu said that even months after the passing away of his closest friend, he found it difficult to come to terms with the bitter fact that Shri Jaitley was no more.

He said “Whenever there is a need for enlightened debate, Jaitley will be missed.”

Describing Shri Jaitley as a thorough gentleman and a man of impeccable integrity, and said that he never compromised on principles and was a staunch opponent of corruption.

Stating that Shri Jaitley was a shining example of a leader with 4Cs – Character, Calibre, Capacity, and Conduct, VP expressed concerns that there was a worrisome trend in politics with people bringing in other 4Cs- Caste, Community, Criminality, and Cash.

Shri Naidu asked aspiring politicians to emulate these qualities of Shri Jaitley and serve the nation.

Recollecting his association with Shri Jaitley, the Vice President said that Jaitley Ji and he became fellow travelers in the “rough-and-tumble of Indian politics and developed a mutual admiration and respect for each other.

Describing Shri Jaitley as “a multi-faceted genius and a powerhouse of knowledge with a sharp analytical mind,” Shri Naidu recalled his ability to communicate effectively and explain even the most complex matters in a simple, lucid manner. “His frankness was another admirable quality and he never hesitated to call a spade a spade,” he added.

Stating that Jaitley Ji was his go to man for past many decades, the Vice President said that he used to seek Shri Jaitley’s sage counsel whenever needed.

Referring to Shri Jaitley’s deft handling of the economy at a critical time, the Vice President said that his persuasive skills and the spirit of camaraderie were in full display to evolve a consensus during the tough negotiations with states for GST.

Unmindful of his health, Jaitley Ji had to burn the midnight oil on many occasions to build consensus and for the successful roll-out of GST, he said.

The Vice President also referred to various measures taken by Shri Jaitley as Union Finance Minister to ensure that the banking sector did not slip into a deeper morass due to NPAs. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code introduced during his tenure proved to be a revolutionary step, he said.

VP said that the book was brought out by his son, Shri Muppavarapu Harshavardhan and daughter, Smt. Deepa Venkat as a token of love and affection for Shri Arun Jaitley. The book was released in the gracious presence of Mrs. Sangeeta Jaitley, wife of late Shri Arun Jaitley, his daughter, and son.

Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, Minister for Law