IT Appellate Tribunal de-freezes accounts of Congress party

The Income-tax tribunal said there were no restrictions on the party accessing its bank accounts.The development was confirmed by Vivek Tankha, Rajya Sabha MP and lawyer who appeared for the Congress party before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal bench of Delhi.The tax tribunal told Tankha that there would be only a lien on the bank account. There will be no restriction on the party from operating, it said. Tankha also said the hearing on the merits will be taken up on Wednesday.

Income Tax Appellate Tribunal de-freezes accounts of Congress party pending further hearing: Party leader Vivek Tankha

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 16, 2024

Earlier,the Congress party has alleged that its bank accounts have been frozen by the Income Tax department. .Party spokesperson Ajay Maken described the move as a "disturbing blow to the democratic process". The freeze reportedly stems from a tax demand of Rs 210 crore raised by the Income Tax department, a move that the Congress claims is politically motivated and strategically timed to disrupt the party's election preparations.Maken added that the party at present lacks funds to spend, settle bills, or pay salaries to its employees.

हिंदुस्तान में लोकतंत्र पूरी तरह से खत्म हो चुका है।

देश की मुख्य विपक्षी पार्टी के सारे अकाउंट्स फ्रीज कर दिए गए हैं। भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस के अकाउंट पर तालाबंदी कर दी गई है।

ये कांग्रेस पार्टी के अकाउंट्स फ्रीज नहीं हुए, हमारे देश का लोकतंत्र फ्रीज हो गया है।

: कांग्रेस… pic.twitter.com/ndoT5IHKtg

— Congress (@INCIndia) February 16, 2024

Maken on Friday said in a press conference that the party was informed on Thursday that banks are not honouring the cheques issued by the party.“On further investigation, we got to know that the Youth Congress bank accounts have been frozen. The accounts of the Congress party have also been seized,” Maken said."Right now we don't have any money to spend, to pay electricity bills, to pay salaries to our employees. Everything will be impacted, not only Nyay Yatra but all political activities will be impacted..." he said.