HC flays BBMP for ‘uncivilised’ behaviour

 

Bangalore: It was Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) turn to face the music as the Karnataka High Court took the civic body to task for resorting to ‘uncivilised’ measures to collect property tax from IT giant Wipro. 

 

The BBMP had earlier threatened legal action against Wipro over dues of Rs 16.47 crore as property tax, and had issued no­tices warning seizure of its properties for tax evasion. Wipro had approa­ched the high court after the BBMP res­orted to ‘drum beating campaign’ in front of its office premises over tax evasion. 

 

The court had earlier restrained the BBMP against taking any action against Wipro, while it was hearing the case.

 

When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, the high court fumed at Palike, “In 21st century, you (BBMP) behave in an uncivilised manner by beating drums in front of their office. However when it comes to your response over their objections, you hardly file anything and seek more time to respond.”

 

The judge H.G. Ramesh, further observed, “They (Wipro) are asking for breakups for the tax, and are ready to sign a cheque for the tax dues at your office, but you (BBMP) are unable to properly argue the matter and only respond with few lines to the objections. And you want Rs 16.47 crore from them.”