No income tax notice issued to Srikanth Shinde, say sources

The selection of cases for scrutiny under the CASS system is entirely automated

The Income Tax Department has not issued any notice to Srikanth Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde, under the latest scrutiny cycle, sources in the know said on July 10.

The clarification follows media speculation and social media posts suggesting that Srikanth Shinde may have received a notice under the Income Tax Department’s scrutiny process. The sources in the know have now confirmed that he is not among the individuals selected for scrutiny.

“The CASS cycle (i.e. Computer-Assisted Scrutiny Selection) for the ITRs filed for AY 2024-25 last year was executed recently. Under the CASS cycle, the cases are selected for scrutiny without any human intervention and on the basis of certain pre-defined risk parameters,” sources said.

The selection of cases for scrutiny under the CASS system is entirely automated and data-driven, designed to flag discrepancies or anomalies in returns, especially around exemptions, deductions, or high-value transactions, he said.

“Therefore, the notices have been triggered under the CASS cycle on account of the case being covered by applicable risk parameters particularly on exemptions,” the sources added.

They further clarified that any scrutiny arising from the CASS cycle is being undertaken under the Faceless Assessment Scheme, in which taxpayer interactions with the department are conducted electronically to ensure transparency and minimise discretion.

“The replies and further process will be taken up under the Faceless assessment scheme as per the process,” the sources confirmed.

Reiterating, sources in the know said, “It may also kindly be noted no notice has been issued to Srikanth Shinde, son of Eknath Shinde.”

The clarification assumes political significance as Srikanth Shinde, a Member of Parliament from Kalyan, Maharashtra, is a high-profile political figure linked to the ruling alliance.