The Centre on Monday filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court in the black money case, naming three prominent businessmen, including Pradip Burman, formerly of Dabur Group.
Goa-based miner Radha S Timblo and Bullion trader Pankaj Chimanlal Lodhya were the other two businessmen named in the affidavit.
The Centre told the court that it had no intention to withhold names of persons, who have stashed black money abroad and stated that information received from foreign countries will be disclosed in all cases where tax evasion is established.
Every foreign account held by an Indian may not be illegal, the Centre said, adding that names cannot be disclosed unless there is prima facie evidence of wrongdoing.
It also told the court that Switzerland has indicated willingness to provide information on black money in cases where probe has been done by IT department.
'Account legally opened' “We wish to state that this account was opened when he (Pradip) was an NRI, and was legally allowed to open this account,” a Dabur spokesperson said in a statement.
“We have followed all the laws and the complete details regarding the account have been voluntarily,
and as per law, filed with the Income Tax Department, and appropriate taxes paid, wherever applicable,” he added.
Mr. Burman currently holds no position in the FMCG major although he was once a whole time director of Dabur India.
“The Burman family is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance, and encourage ethical behaviour at all levels,” the spokesperson added.
(the hindu)