I-T dept will look into Jaya's plea for settlement

The Income Tax (I-T) Department has formed a panel to look into the “compounding application” filed by  AIADMK chief J Jayalalitha and her close aide Sasikala in the case related to non-filing of tax.

In all, four criminal cases were registered against them for non-filing I-T returns their individual capacities, as well as being partners of Sasi Enterprises for the assessment years 1991-92 and 1992-93.

The criminal proceedings were initiated only in 1996 and 1997. The compounding application, filed by Jayalalitha and her friend, sought an amicable settlement with the I-T department.

It was submitted by K Ramasamy, special public prosecutor for I-T cases, before additional chief metropolitan magistrate (economic offences) Egmore, where the cases are pending against Jayalalitha and Sasikala.

When the matter was taken up for hearing, Ramasamy said, “The compounding panel of the I-T department has adjourned the proceedings to August 27. Therefore, the matter could be adjourned.”

R Dakshinamurthy, additional chief metropolitan magistrate, while adjourning the case to September 4, passed a brief order, which said, “Considering the plea made by the petitioners and the pendency of compounding petition before the authorities, the petition (seeking adjournment) is allowed”.