CIC Flags No Tracking System for Tax Complaints, Seeks Transparency
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has urged GST authorities to implement a system for tracking tax evasion complaints. Currently, complainants do not have any mechanism to know the progress of their petitions, which creates suspicion about cases being closed without proper review.
The CIC observed that the absence of a formal status-tracking system can lead to concerns that complaints may be “quietly settled” or not properly examined.
Information Commissioner Vinod Kumar Tiwari noted that complainants have no structured way to track their tax evasion petitions (TEPs), forcing them to repeatedly file RTI applications to seek updates.
He also highlighted that this lack of transparency results in unnecessary RTI applications and appeals before the Commission.
The advisory came while disposing of a batch of appeals where detailed information was sought regarding action taken on tax evasion complaints. The Commission upheld that detailed information cannot be shared during ongoing investigations under RTI provisions.
However, it emphasized that complainants should be informed about the broad outcome of their complaints after the investigation is completed.
The CIC suggested that GST authorities should develop an online status-tracking system that allows complainants to view the progress of their cases.
Such a system would enhance transparency, build public trust, and reduce the burden of repeated RTI filings.
