(a) whether the Government is contemplating to bring the tax evasion under criminal offence;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
(d) the time by which the said tax laws are likely to be amended/enacted afresh?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI JAYANT SINHA)
(a),(b),(c) & (d): Chapter XXII of the Income-tax Act already contains provisions (section 275A to 280D) for offences and prosecutions. Further, section 276C of the Act provides that willful attempt to evade tax is punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years and with fine. Violation of Section 135 of Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962) relating to ‘Evasion of duty or prohibitions’ is a scheduled offence under Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003).