Overview
- The Bombay High Court quashed a non-bailable warrant issued against actor Arjun Rampal, deeming the magistrate's order 'mechanical and cryptic.'
- Justice Advait Sethna ruled that the warrant violated legal procedure, as the alleged offence under Section 276C(2) of the Income Tax Act is bailable and carries a maximum sentence of three years.
- Rampal's legal team argued that the full tax amount of ₹42.41 lakh for the 2016–17 assessment year was paid, though delayed, and there was no intent to evade taxes.
- The High Court noted that the magistrate failed to record reasons for issuing the warrant and overlooked the presence of Rampal's advocate during the proceedings.
- The case remains ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for June 16, 2025, as the core dispute over delayed payment versus willful evasion continues.