No I-T Notice To Former CM Eknath Shinde; Routine CASS Scrutiny For Wife Over ₹5-Crore Deduction

Amid recent speculation, official sources within the Income Tax Department have stated that no tax notice has been issued to former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The case in question pertains to a routine selection under the department’s Computer-Assisted Scrutiny Selection (CASS) system and relates specifically to a high-value deduction claimed by Lata Eknath Shinde, the former Chief Minister's wife. Importantly, the scrutiny does not involve EX CM  or his son,and Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde.

 The scrutiny was triggered as part of the standard CASS cycle for Assessment Year 2024–25, which was recently executed based on Income Tax Returns (ITRs) filed in the previous financial year. According to sources, Ms. Shinde's return was selected due to a deduction exceeding Rs 5 crore claimed under Section 54 of the Income Tax Act. Section 54 allows for exemptions from capital gains tax upon reinvestment in residential property.  

Officials said the case was flagged through the department CASS  system, which uses predefined risk parameters to select returns for scrutiny. The system, they said, is designed to automatically pick up ITRs where deductions of over Rs 5 crore are claimed under sections like 54, 54B, or 54F of the Income Tax Act. The process is entirely system-driven with no manual intervention, officials added.

Sources have confirmed that no scrutiny or notice has been issued to former Chief Minister Eknath Shinde or to his son Shrikant Shinde, in connection with this matter. The ongoing process is limited to the return filed by Mrs. Shinde and is being conducted as part of the department's standard operating procedure for such cases.

Officials familiar with the matter further noted that all proceedings are being conducted under the government's Faceless Assessment Scheme. This initiative ensures digital interaction between taxpayers and the department, aiming to eliminate direct physical interface, reduce discretion, and enhance transparency in the assessment process.

The Income Tax Department emphasizes that selection under the CASS system is a routine, automated mechanism and, by itself, does not imply any irregularity or wrongdoing on the part of the taxpayer. It is a data-driven process designed to ensure compliance across a broad taxpayer base.