- (1.) This Public Interest Litigation has been preferred by the Jharkhand Income Tax Bar Association, mainly because of the fact that the building where the Bench of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal at Ranchi, is sitting is in a very dilapidated and dangerous condition. Necessary photographs have also been annexed.
(2.) Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner also has brought to the notice of this Court of various annexures annexed with this petition including Annexure-8, which is dated 26.12.2011, in which it has been stated that the Ministry has approved the proposal for hiring of alternate office accommodation at "Sahdeo Tower" 1st Floor, Block 'A' and Block 'B' (part) at P.P. Compound, Ranchi on a monthly rent of Rs. 1,28,767/- as certified by C.P.W.D., Ranchi in respect of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Ranchi Bench. Counsel for the petitioner further submitted that despite this letter dated 26.12.2011, no amount has been sanctioned by the Central Government. The counsel for the petitioner has further argued that much time has been lapsed after the aforesaid sanction from December, 2011 but even on today, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Ranchi Bench is sitting in the same building, which has now become more dangerous and on one or other pretext, respondent-Union of India is not allocating the proper fund and they are sitting tight upon the file, without taking any decision. Public at large is vitally interested in the building of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Ranchi Bench.
(3.) Counsel appearing for the Union of India-Assistant Solicitor General of India submitted that he has talked with Mr. D. Choudhury, Under Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, Department of Legal Affairs, New Delhi and upon his instruction, it is stated that within 15 days, the fund will be allotted and transmitted to the President, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Mumbai. It is submitted by the Assistant Solicitor General of India that now he has received a FAX, which reads as under: F. No. D-11011/1/2014-Admn.III(LA) Government of India Ministry of Law & Justice Department of Legal Affairs ****** Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi Dated: 26th June, 2014 To Shri Md. Mokhtar Khan Asstt. Solicitor General Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi Sub: WP (PIL) No. 4153 of 2013,. Sir, I am directed to refer to the above subject. In this connection, it is submitted that a proposal was received from ITAT, Mumbai in the year 2013, seeking funds for certain renovation and other works in their Ranchi Office. However, the funds could not be released at that time due to non-availability of funds. A fresh proposal has been received from ITAT, Mumbai in the current financial year for release of funds of Rs. 57,04,433/- for this purpose. The matter is under process and necessary funds shall be released within the next two weeks positively. You may apprise the Hon'ble High Court accordingly. Yours faithfully, (D. Choudhury) Under Secretary to the Government of India Phone No.-23383051;