The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) paid less income tax by Rs 40 crore in India. According to media reports, BBC has admitted the theft in a letter sent to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). It has been told in the letter that it paid less tax than what it should have paid in the income tax return.
It is being told that now the BBC will have to formally file a revised return, in which all dues, interest and penalties will be imposed on this amount. According to sources, two officials of the board have confirmed this income tax evasion of BBC. They told that the laws of the country are equal for all, so no concession will be given to any company including BBC, whether the company is Indian or foreign. BBC has to follow the laws of India. The department will continue to pursue the matter till the matter reaches its logical conclusion.
According to departmental sources, at the time of the survey of IT officials, BBC had tried to make it appear as if some revenge was being taken from it, but now it has accepted the matter of tax evasion.
In February this year, the Income Tax Department conducted surveys in the case of tax evasion in the New Delhi and Mumbai offices of BBC. At that time too, officials had said that there was a discrepancy between the BBC’s income and profits. The scale at which its units are operating in India did not seem to be commensurate with the revenue figures given by the BBC. At that time, BBC Director General Tim Davey had made a statement that his organization works with a purpose, not an agenda. The British government also spoke of editorial independence while defending the BBC. The Government of India gave a befitting reply to this.
