“These actors portray themselves as champions of social justice but in reality they are evading tax”: Madras HC imposes Rs 1 lakh fine on Tamil superstar Vijay

Chennai: The Madras High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by Tamil film actor Vijay seeking exemption from entry tax for importing a Rolls Royce car from England in 2012.

Dismissing the petition, Mr Justice S M Subramaniam also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh on the actor, with a direction to pay the amount to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Covid-19 Relief Fund within two weeks.

The Judge observed that paying tax was one's duty and not a philanthropic act.

"It is a duty. People see actors as real heroes. They should not behave like reel heroes. Tax evasion is anti-national and un-constitutional", the Judge said.

These actors portray themselves as champions of social justice. But in reality, they are seeking tax exemptions, the court noted.

The taxation system is the backbone of the nation's economy, the Judge said and pointed out that payment of tax is mandatory "and not a voluntary payment or donation, which one decides on one's own."

The Judge also noted that the common man should be motivated and encouraged to behave like lawful citizens and to pay tax.

While so, the Judge remarked that if rich, affluent and reputed persons fail to pay tax, "then this Court with pain, records that it would be a long way to achieve the constitutional goals." (UNI)