IHC sets aside FTO disciplinary recommendation on tax official
The Islamabad High Court said a notice issued in the course of duty does not alone prove maladministration, and the ombudsman's other recommendations had already lapsed.
The Islamabad High Court set aside the Federal Tax Ombudsman's recommendation of disciplinary action against a tax official who issued Section 176 notices.
The petition was filed by Raashid Mahmood Khan in W.P. No. 3402 of 2020.
The court said issuing notices during official duty is not maladministration unless misuse of authority, bad faith or similar conduct is shown.
The other two FTO recommendations were already declared infructuous, and the President of Pakistan's order of 29.09.2020 is also set aside in part.
The sources do not say whether the FBR, the FTO or any other party plans to challenge the ruling.