[For Favour of Publication]

Summary

This one-page Swatantra Party press note, issued on September 16, 1969, reproduces a letter from Dr. C. C. Desai to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi concerning alleged failures by Union Ministers to submit income-tax and wealth-tax returns. Desai refers to an earlier question in the Rajya Sabha, his correspondence with the Finance Minister, and a reply from Minister of State P. C. Sethi stating that assessments and penalty notices were being processed.

The note focuses on equal application of tax law and demands clarification of the punitive action taken against each defaulting minister. It contrasts the reported treatment of ministers with that of ordinary citizens and calls for a categorical assurance that the government is “no respecter of persons.” The document closes with Desai’s request for an early reply because of the matter’s “great public importance.”

Key points

• The press note reproduces a letter by Dr. C. C. Desai, identified as Secretary of the Swatantra Party in Parliament.
• Desai alleges that about eleven members of the Council of Ministers had failed to submit income-tax returns and that no punitive action had initially been taken.
• The correspondence concerns both income-tax and wealth-tax returns, including a reported failure by Food Minister Jagjivan Ram to file returns for several years.
• Minister of State P. C. Sethi states that assessments were completed or nearing completion and that penalty notices had been issued where appropriate.
• Desai asks for details of the action taken separately against each defaulting minister.
• The note argues that ministers must be treated under the same tax law as ordinary citizens.
• The document frames the issue as one of public accountability, equal treatment, and confidence in government.