Finance ministry secy fined for disobeying Hyderabad High Court

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court on Saturday slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 on the under secretary (revenue), Union ministry of finance, for disobeying its orders.

A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice Dilip B. Bhosale and Justice S.V. Bhatt was dealing with a petition filed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited challenging the levy of tax on stock transfers related to its Nasik division. The petitioner urged the Court to declare the orders illegal.

The bench had ordered the official to file a counter-affidavit. When the official failed to do so, the bench gave a second opportunity. When even that did not evoke a reaction, the bench imposed the fine and cautioned the official that it would issue a warrant if he fails to file the affidavit before November 17.