Chennai: The Madras High Court has come down hard on top cinema star Vijay for challenging levy of Entry Tax on his imported luxury car, Rolls Royce Ghost, saying such a reputed actor is "expected to pay the tax promptly and punctually," and should not remain a mere reel- life hero.
Dismissing the petition related to the import of the car from England in 2012, Justice SM Subramaniam also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh on Vijay and observed "tax evasion is to be construed as anti-national habit, attitude and mindset and unconstitutional."
The court directed the actor to pay the amount fine amount of Rs one lakh to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Covid-19 Public Relief Fund within two weeks. Supposed to be one of the top-paid stars in Tamil cinema, actor Vijay is known for his big-ticket hits and commands good box-office opening.
The judge pointed out that the petitioner, C Joseph Vijay, "has not even stated his profession or occupation in his affidavit. The affidavit is blank in respect of these particulars," and pointed out that the fact that he was an actor came to light only after Vijay's counsel made a mention. Rolls Royce Ghost, a luxury brand, is said to cost a few crores, with available information indicating its current market price could be in the range of around Rs 5 crore and go upwards.
"The petitioner has imported a prestigious costly car from England. But, unfortunately not paid the Entry tax as per the statutes. He filed a writ petition in order to avoid payment of Entry tax for the car imported from England."
"The petitioner, who is a reputed cine actor, is expected to pay the tax promptly and punctually," the judge said in his recent order. The court further said the actor has a large scale fan groups and they see them as "real heroes." "In the state of Tamil Nadu, cine heroes rose as rulers of the state and therefore, the people are under the impression that they are the real heroes. Thus, they are not expected to behave like reel heroes."
"These actors are portraying themselves as champions to bring social justice....their pictures are against corrupt activities in the society. But, they are evading tax and acting in a manner, which is not in consonance with the provisions of the Statutes," the court noted.
In his petition, Vijay prayed for a writ of Mandamus to the respondents--Home Department (Transport), Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Taxes), Assessment Circle, Chennai, the Regional Transport Officer, Chennai South and the Motor Vehicle Inspector, Chennai South forbearing them and their subordinates from demanding or collecting entry tax.