Panvel: In an important development, the Bombay High Court has denied any relief to Deepak Fertilizers in a case concerning property tax dues claimed by the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC). The industrial firm had approached the High Court by filing a writ petition challenging the property tax notices issued to its Taloja MIDC facility.
The matter was heard on April 3, 2025, where Senior Advocate Ashutosh Kumbhakoni represented the municipal corporation. He informed the court that the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act provides a clear appellate mechanism under Section 406 for disputing property tax demands. Despite this, Deepak Fertilizers bypassed the available legal remedy and directly filed a writ petition before the High Court.
Taking note of this, the High Court directed the company to deposit the entire amount mentioned in the tax notice. However, the counsel for Deepak Fertilizers offered to pay tax dues for only three years. The court rejected this request and categorically refused to grant any relief in the matter.
This decision is being viewed as a strong message in support of legal due process and the authority of local bodies in enforcing tax compliance.
