Congress spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar who had filed a PIL against the EDM festivals speaking to Herald has alleged that there has been massive tax evasion due to non-compliance with the tax procedures and that the tickets were sold without
authentication
Herald: Your petition before the High Court of Bombay at Goa alleging electronic dance music festivals do away with commercial taxes, failed to get interim relief. Your comment.
Herald: Were commercial taxes collected in advance?
SK: I was told that on December 23, about Rs 25 lakh was paid…, but if you calculate the total amount by taking ticket’s minimum price, the tax collected should be nothing less than Rs 15 crore as against above 1.60 lakh tickets sold. The organizers pay Rs 1.5 cr to Rs 2 crore to government. I will take it to the legal end.
Herald:There are allegations that you are raising the issue now to give it political colour.
SK: I have no personal interest. I have been clear to the court that I am not against the festival but the manner in which it is being hosted. The issue is of Entertainment Tax. Why was Commissioner of Commercial Taxes quiet? When I came to know about this, I investigated and then filed a petition. I’ll be happy if festivals are held provided all taxes are paid. Why the hurry to host the festival? What mechanisms are there to collect Entertainment Tax? How will government know the number of tickets sold?
Herald:The dates were announced one year back, and Sunburn has already applied for permission in January 2014. The file was lying with the government for 11 months.
SK: This is what I am trying to say. There is a nexus between the ruling and these people (EDMs organizers). They are sure to get permission on prescribed date and without government permission, they have been going ahead. There is no CRZ and village panchayat permission. NGT order describes shack policy that without CRZ clearance, not a single bamboo be erected but here, it is a mini village.
If government is not giving permission and allowing the festivals to happen then they are waiting for some consideration. Else, the government should have demolished the structures. I am objecting to tax evasion which should actually fill the State treasury to the tune of Rs 20-22 crore. But some government officers and ruling politicians are gaining from it and this is why the tourism minister (Dilip Parulekar) shamelessly promoted the festival before the government gave permission.
