SC issues notice to 'Big B' on IT petition

New Delhi, May 4 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to actor Amitabh Bachchan on a petition filed by the Income Tax Department.

A bench headed by Justice S.S. Kapadia posted the matter for hearing on October 28.

The Income Tax department has questioned a Bombay High Court order for giving Bachchan respite from tax on his income from the popular TV game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'.

Bachchan, who hosted the show, had received tax exemption on 30 percent of his total income of Rs. 50.92 crore.

The actor has earlier asked the court to cut down on his tax under the Section 80 RR of the Income-Tax Act, considering that he was an artist.

The Income Tax department has asked the Bombay court to explain on what basis it gave the tax relief to Bachchan when, according to law, only those artists who earn by performing outside the country or receive payment from foreign agencies can be allowed to enjoy tax redemption.

The IT department argued that Bachchan was anchoring the show for Star India Ltd. and cannot be termed as an artist for his role in the programme. (ANI)