IT raids on minister Malla Reddy's home: HC stays FIR against IT official Ratnakar
Further, section 293 of the Income Tax Act bars any prosecution against the Income Tax official in the discharge of his official function.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 25 Nov 2022 2:36 PM GMT
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday stayed all further proceedings in connection with the FIR registered against deputy director of Income Tax (investigation) Ratnakar.
Justice K. Surender was hearing a lunch motion criminal petition filed by Mr. Ratnakar, the Income Tax official, seeking a stay on the FIR registered against him in Bowenpally police station. The petitioner contended that as part of his official duty, he went to the house of TS labour minister Ch. Malla Reddy and in this interregnum, the minister's brother Dr. Bhadra Reddy, representing the minister's son Mahendar Reddy, filed a complaint at the Bowenpally police station. In the complaint, it was alleged that IT sleuths forced Mr. Mahendar Reddy to sign a statement prepared by the IT officials.
T. Surya Karan Reddy, arguing for Mr. Ratnakar, informed the court that section 134 of the Income Tax Act empowers Income Tax officials to record statements and such a recording of statements does not fall under the purview of section 383 of the IPC.
Further, section 293 of the Income Tax Act bars any prosecution against the Income Tax official in the discharge of his official function.
Justice Surendar, after recording the contention of assistant solicitor general T. Surya Karan Reddy, stayed the FIR and adjourned the criminal petition for further hearing after four weeks.
