Embassy restaurant, Naturals: Popular Connaught Place shops slapped with tax dues; some sealed

When The Indian Express contacted the NDMC for a comment, an official said, “The process of recovery is initiated as per the due process of law — assessment orders were issued, demands confirmed and bills raised for payment of dues. No appeal was filed in court, thereby the demand attained finality… Recovery notices were issued, giving ample opportunity to pay outstanding dues but no dues have been realised… Failing this, the NDMC was constrained to initiate attachment of properties as a last resort.”
The New Delhi Traders’ Association (NDTA) said the new property tax being charged by the council is “irrational and arbitrary”.

An NDTA office-bearer claimed, “Bata and Reebok showrooms were asked to pay taxes through cheques on Monday… Dr Jayna’s Dental Clinic and Naturals were blocked. Officials also entered the Embassy Restaurant without prior permission.”

NDTA president Atul Bhargava said the due process for tax recovery has not been followed. “A few shops were sealed in E, D and L blocks in the Inner Circle and some other premises were sealed at Radial roads. Occupants were unduly forced to pay part/full cheques within an hour and then the premises were de-sealed… Some are still lying sealed as they could not pay at that time,” he said in a statement.

“The NDTA demands that the council hold property tax camps to discuss cases of each property with owners and to arrive at a fair and mutually agreeable value,” he added.