SC stays Kerala HC order of not levying taxes till April 6

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed Kerala high court order asking authorities not to levy taxes and recover banks' dues from people till April 6 amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

A bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar took note of the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the Centre, that the Kerala high court order needed to be stayed.

Concerned over the rapidly spreading coronavirus, the Kerala high court on thursaday directed banks, financial institutions, income tax and GST  authorities to defer recovery proceedings till April 6 in the state.

The directions were being issued to prevent the rampant spreading of the virus, Justice Amit Rawal said in his order.

However, Justice Rawal while issuing the order made it clear that the order would not be an impediment for any defaulters who want to avail the amnesty scheme as and when such scheme is promulgated.

The court added that "the entire world is facing the threat of coronavirus and there have been a large number of cases in India including Kerala. People are requested to stay away from any potential source of the virus and since Kerala has 42 lakh people over the age of 60 and 5.4 lakh over 80, an unprecedented health crisis cannot be ruled out."