LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered to collect entertainment tax from all cinema houses under the law. Court took up the case on non-collection of entertainment tax from cinema houses for hearing.
Petitioner Muhammad Husnain through Usman Khalil Advocate filed a petition in the LHC against excise department.
Petitioner took the plea that excise department in order to support its favourites’ put at stake even the national exchequer. Excise department didn’t collect entertainment tax from cinemas after even 765 days.
Petitioner said that national exchequer is facing deficit of millions of rupees annually due to non-collection of entertainment tax.
Petitioner further said that money obtained through exhibition of Indian films is going to India without tax deduction. Excise department is bound to receive entertainment tax from every cinema house daily under Entertainment Tax 1958 Act.
Non-collection of tax without any exemption is a criminal negligence of the department. Petitioner said neglecting law in place deliberately is a crime.
Corruption has been made by giving tax exemption to tax givers intentionally, therefore court should order excise department to receive entertainment tax from all cinema houses forthwith besides taking action against those found responsible.
Court while hearing the arguments of the petitioner ordered excise department for implementation of law within the 6 weeks besides collecting entertainment tax from cinema houses.
