VHP cannot be faulted for delay in filing audit report: HC

The Delhi High Court has said the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) cannot be faulted for the delay in submitting its audit report for the assessment year 1993-94, as it was banned as an unlawful organisation after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.

Due to the delay in submitting its audit report, the assessing officer (AO) of the income tax department had not exempted the income generated from its property and contributions. The AO's order was set aside by the Commissioner of Income Tax on VHP's appeal and the commissioner's decision was upheld by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT).

The high court has upheld the ITAT's decision granting the exemption to the VHP while dismissing the appeal filed by the inco me tax department.