HC directs Director Industries to inform KCCI about toll tax

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 28: High Court has directed the Director Industries Jammu to inform the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries and other trade and industries bodies in Kashmir before finalizing the report in respect to levy of toll tax in the State.
Hearing a petition filed by KCCI projecting therein that none on behalf of the KCCI was present in the meeting as such their concern have not been taken note of, Justice Sanjeev Kumar disposed of the petition with the direction to Director Industries Jammu to notify the KCCI and other trade and industries bodies before taking final call on report of levy of toll tax so that the view point of KCCI is also addressed.
KCCI submitted before the court that the deadline fixed in terms of the Government order dated February 11 which is March 1 the committee may submit its report and in case said report is submitted by the committee or any decision taken thereof, would seriously prejudice the rights of the trade and industries operating in the Kashmir.
“It would be appropriate, if the final decision is taken after considering views of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Kashmir and other recognized trade bodies in Kashmir as well”, Justice Kumar said.
It is pertinent to mention here that the committee constituted for the purpose held meeting on February 13 and raised certain issues to be taken up clarification with the Administrative Department so that the Committee could proceed ahead in the matter.