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Martin Group Responds to Income Tax Searches Controversy

SimpliCity News Team · 17 Oct 2023

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu: In a press release, Martin Group of Companies addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the Income Tax searches conducted at their premises from 12th October 2023 to 16th October 2023. The company, headquartered in Coimbatore, sought to clarify several misconceptions that have emerged during the investigation.

Key Points Clarified:

1. Nature of the Investigation: The press release clarified that the searches were conducted by the Department of Income Tax (Kolkata, West Bengal) and not by the Enforcement Directorate, as misreported by some media outlets. The organization emphasized that they cooperated fully with the Income Tax department during the entire process.

2. Legality of Lottery Sales: Martin Group highlighted that their involvement in selling and marketing State Government Lotteries is in strict accordance with the Lotteries (Regulation) Act, 1998, and the Lotteries (Regulation) Rules, 2010. They were duly appointed by State Governments through Gazetted Notifications to conduct these activities, adhering to the laws and regulations governing lotteries in India.

3. Tax Compliance: The press release revealed that S. Martin was the Highest Individual Tax Payer in India during the Year 2002-2003, having paid approximately Rs. 100 Crores as his individual Income Tax. Additionally, the Martin Group of Companies collectively paid Rs. 23,119 Crores as GST from July 2017 to September 2023 and Rs. 4,577 Crores as Income Tax from the Financial Year 1985-1986 to Financial Year 2022-2023. They emphasized that these details were provided to the officials during the investigation process.

4. Contributions to Society: The release emphasized that Martin Group and Shri S. Martin have been strictly compliant with the laws of India and have significantly contributed to society by providing livelihoods to thousands of families across the nation.

Condemnation of Exaggerated Reporting:

The press release condemned the exaggerated reporting of the searches, which has led to harassment, misportrayal, and character assassination of S. Martin and his family members. They expressed that the sensationalized reporting as though it was the ED which has conducted the searches based on money laundering complaints has caused immense embarrassment and damage to their reputation.

Call for Public Discretion:

Martin Group urged the general public to abstain from believing the misportrayal and false statements circulating in the media. They reassured their commitment to the progress of the nation as sincere citizens.

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Martin Group Responds to Income Tax Searches Controversy

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