KERALA HIGH COURT: SURESH GOPI GETS RELIEF IN TAX EVASION

Author : Advocate Abhinav Rai

Posted on : 27,Aug,2024

KERALA HIGH COURT: SURESH GOPI GETS RELIEF IN TAX EVASION

The Kerala High Court granted interim relief to Union Minister and renowned Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi regarding a case alleging tax evasion connected to the purchase of luxury cars. Justice C Jayachandran observed the case's circumstances and decided that Gopi does not need to appear before the trial court until further notice.

This interim order was issued in response to Gopi's plea to dismiss the tax evasion case. The case involves two luxury cars bought by Gopi in 2010 and 2016 from Audi dealers in Ernakulam, which were allegedly registered in Puducherry to avoid higher taxes in Kerala.

The State government claims that Gopi, a permanent resident of Kerala, fraudulently registered the vehicles in Puducherry, resulting in a tax loss of ₹18 lakh.

The trial court determined there was a prima facie case against Gopi, leading to charges under Sections 468 (forgery), 471 (using a forged document), 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 40 of the Motor Vehicles Act (vehicle registration).

After the trial court rejected his discharge application, Gopi sought relief from the Kerala High Court, arguing that registration in Puducherry does not impact tax obligations in Kerala.

 He contended that tax should be based on where the vehicle is used for over a month, not where it is registered.

Gopi's plea stated that the claim requiring tax payment based on the owner's address contradicts the law, as tax liability is determined by vehicle usage.

The Court was also informed that the vehicle was registered using an insurance policy from Life Insurance Corporation.

The prosecution, however, alleged that Gopi used forged address proof for the Puducherry registration.

The Court agreed to consider Gopi's plea in detail after preliminary submissions and granted him interim relief, scheduling the next hearing for September 23.

Quick Contact
Copyright ©2023 Lawvs.com | All Rights Reserved