Shimla, June 27 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has strongly criticised the functioning of the Excise and Taxation Department of the Sukhu government for repeated failure to submit timely replies in a crucial taxation case involving M/s HM Steels Ltd.

Despite being given multiple extensions since April, the department failed to file its reply even on June 27, when the matter came up for hearing before a Division Bench of Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja.

The Court observed that the delay was causing serious inconvenience in adjudication and leading to unnecessary pendency of high-stakes matters involving crores of rupees.

The Bench warned the state that if it failed to ensure compliance, the Court might be compelled to recommend the replacement of the Excise Commissioner, Law Officer, or other erring officials.

The Court has now directed the reply to be submitted within a week, failing which the responsible officer(s) will have to appear in person. The matter would now be heard on July 4.

Taking serious note of the court's observations, the State Taxes and Excise Department has initiated disciplinary proceedings.

Immediately after the court orders today a show-cause notice was issued by Commissioner Dr. Yunus (IAS) to Ganesh Dutt Thakur, Joint Commissioner (South GST Zone), Parwanoo.

The officer has been held responsible for failing to submit replies in both related matters, despite clear instructions from the High Court and the office of the Advocate General.

The notice terms his conduct as gross negligence and misconduct in the discharge of official duties. He has been directed to submit a reply within two days, failing which disciplinary action will be initiated as per rules.

The incident has once again highlighted administrative lapses in legal compliance, prompting the judiciary to push for greater accountability in departments handling public revenue cases.

UNI ML RN