(1.) WHETHER the State of Bihar is a "seller" of alcoholic liquor for human consumption "within the meaning of Section 44AC and Section 206C of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"), is the question involved in this writ application ?"
(2.) ADMITTEDLY, the State of Bihar, exercises control in respect of alcoholic liquor for human consumption from the stage of manufacture of spirit to that of consumption of alcoholic liquor by the consumers in terms of the provisions of the Bihar Excise Act, 1930, and the rules framed thereunder.
(3.) BY reason of various orders/demands which are contained in annexure 5 series, however, assessment orders were passed and demands were made by respondents Nos. 3 to 9 holding that petitioners Nos. 4 to 11 who are Superintendents of Excise were required to deposit the amounts mentioned therein and they have failed to collect the amount of tax and credit the same to the Central Government's Account, in terms of the aforementioned provisions, they are bound to pay amounts mentioned in the respective orders/demands.