Service Tax evasion: Service Tax department summons tennis star Sania Mirza

Hyderabad: The Service Tax department has issued a notice to Indian tennis player Sania Mirza in connection with alleged non-payment or evasion of Service Tax.

The Principal Commissioner of Service Tax office in Hyderabad stated that Sania Mirza has been summoned on February 6 to appear before him in person or by an authorised agent on February 16.

The notice stated:

• Whereas an investigation against you about non-payment/evasion of Service Tax/contravention of provisions of Finance Act 1994 and Rules made there under is being inquired.
• You are hereby summoned under Central Excise Act, 1944 made applicable to service Tax matters under Finance Act, 1994 to appear before the Office in person or by an authorised agent on February 16 to give evidence truthfully on such matters concerning the enquiry as you may be asked to produce the documents and things.
• If you fail to comply with this summons and intentionally avoid to attend or to give evidence and to produce the documents and things, without a lawful excuse, you will be liable to be punished under the relevant provisions of IPC.

The notice, however, did not specify the case in which she has been summoned.