The notices prompted a massive outcry among the residents who urged them to withdraw the notices. The Bengaluru NavaNirmana Party (BNP) has slammed the civic body for issuing notices which was contradictory to the Supreme Court judgement and provisions of RERA.
Defending the notices, BBMP’s Special Commissioner Munish Moudgil said that the notices were issued after comparing the property area in the sale deed with the area for which tax has been paid.
ALSO READ: Bengaluru: 31,000 House Owners Get Shocking Tax Notice Over Parking Spaces, BBMP Responds
“The notices we sent contain details of how and why the tax evasion demand has been calculated. There is an online option to file objections and appeals. This is the most transparent and citizen-friendly system,” he said.
The notices triggered by BBMP’s e-Khata system caused frustration and panic among the homeowners, who claimed that the civic body notices were issued without a proper verification of the original property documents.
Reacting to the outcry, the BBMP had attributed the issue to a software glitch. The e-Khata incorrectly included the parking slots in the carpet area, which led to increased tax liabilities on the owners.
ALSO READ: Bengaluru Traffic Advisory: 6-Hour Travel Restrictions On August 10 For PM Modi’s Visit | Check Closed Roads, Alternate Routes, Timings
The Times of India had quoted the BBMP special commissioner (revenue), Munish Moudgil, as saying that these notices were meant for properties with over 5 per cent variation in data. But because of a software glitch, mass emails were sent to residents, many of whom were not at fault. Moudgil assured that the affected residents can appeal, and the issue would be resolved promptly.