Service Tax - Renting - Delhi High Court Update
TIOL-DDT 1605
10.05.2011
Tuesday
A lawyer closely associated with the case sent us this input on the proceedings in the High Court yesterday.
UOI did not keep its word to limit itself to 1 hour today. The ASG Mr. Chandiok took the entire time. Mr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi kept waiting and so did Mr. Ganesh (all the 3 senior advocates) but it was not to be their day.
ASG could not be faulted. Assurance was given in his absence last time around when he was indisposed, obviously without his consent. Today he was in his element. Bit by bit, he took the Court through the finer points.
There were brief interjections by Mr. P.K. Sahu and Mr. Rakesh Chitkara, Advocates before the larger bench.
Mr. Sanjiv Khanna, J too needled the UOI with his sharp questions, well versed as he is with Direct Taxation.
The Court fixed 20th May as the next day of hearing, perhaps the last on this issue in Delhi High Court.
At the end of the session, a tired and still unwell but pleased ASG sat down as the crowd filtered out. He was then surrounded with admirers on the petitioner's side, who sought his autographs, impressed as they were by his brilliant performance.
Whether we will see a decision before the Courts adjourn for summer break from 4th June, looks a tad difficult now.
The Court also advised that all arguments now be submitted only in writing on the due date.