This refers to the editorial “Taxation, not litigation” (January 17). Since litigation is part of our democratic rights, it might not be possible to reduce tax litigation substantially. But it could be minimised by better tax administration and judicial reforms. There is not enough coordination between the Income Tax and the Central Excise departments of the finance ministry. Information-sharing between the two departments can be easily done through a computerised database. Further, there is a strong tendency to resist any reform that may result in a possible reduction of discretionary powers of tax officials at various levels. Last, any government that uses its resources properly is always in a position to get citizens involved in its efforts to reduce tax evasion. The incumbent government has hardly anything to offer on this front.
Narendra M Apte Pune
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