(Per : HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE AKIL KURESHI) Counsel for the petitioner filed rejoinder which is taken on record. Learned AGP prayed for time. At her request, S.O. to 24th January 2012.
In the meantime, counsel for the petitioner submitted that sealing of the office premises of the petitioner may be lifted to permit the petitioner to operate its business from the said premises. Learned AGP though opposed to such request, stated under instructions that there are no documents or files in the office which are relevant for the ongoing investigation with respect to the petitioner's alleged tax evasion. In that view of the matter, by way of interim order, respondents are directed to open the seal on the office premises situated at S-53, Shreedev Complex, Station Road, Patan on following conditions.
The petitioner shall file an undertaking before this Court within a period of two days from today to the effect that the petitioner shall not sell, lease or mortgage or create any kind of charge on the said premises, shall use such premises only for his own business purpose, shall not permit any other person to occupy the same and shall maintain status quo with respect to the office premises in all respects.
It would be open for an officer of the respondent to remain present when the petitioner for the first time enters the office to verify if there are any documents which the Department would like to seize. This shall be done on 12.1.2012 between 10.00 to 12.00 am.
(Akil Kureshi J.) (Ms.Sonia Gokani, J.) (vjn) Top