Don’t be reel hero, be real hero: HC to Vijay
Court Slaps ₹1L Fine On Actor For Contesting Entry Tax On Imported Lux Car
Sureshkumar.K@timesgroup.com
Chennai:14.07.2021
The Madras high court has imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on actor Vijay for challenging levy of entry tax for his imported luxury car, Rolls Royce Ghost, saying such a reputed actor is “expected to pay tax promptly and punctually,” and actors who are seen by their fans as real heroes “can’t be just reel heroes.”
Dismissing the petition related to the import of the car from England in 2012, Justice S M Subramaniam said, “In a state like Tamil Nadu, where such actors have become rulers, they are not expected to behave like a ‘reel hero’. Tax evasion is to be construed as an anti-national habit, attitude and mindset and unconstitutional,” the judge said in his July 8 order released on Tuesday.
The court directed the actor to pay the fine to the chief minister’s Covid-19 public relief fund within two weeks.
The current market price of the car in India is approximately ₹6 crore. Entry tax in TN is 20% of the cost of the car. Noting that non-payment of entry tax by the petitioner could never be appreciated, the judge said the actor should respect the sentiment of lakhs and lakhs of his fans who watch his movies by paying for ticket. “It is only out of such money that the petitioner has purchased the ‘world’s prestigious’ car for his personal use,” the court said.
“These actors are portraying themselves as champions to bring social justice. Their movies are against corruption in society. But they are evading tax and acting in a manner which is not in consonance with the provisions of the statutes,” the judge said.
While the common man is motivated and encouraged to behave as a lawful citizen and pay tax and to thrive hard to achieve social justice in society, the rich, affluent and reputed people fail to pay tax, the judge said, adding that if such was the situation, it would be a long way to achieve constitutional goals.
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