House Panel Report on Income Tax Bill, 2025

• The Parliamentary Select Committee, chaired by Baijayant Panda, has retained provisions allowing tax officials to access social media and private emails of individuals they are conducting search and seizure operations on.

• The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha in February, has been reviewed by the Select Committee.

• The Bill’s expanded powers have sparked criticism and calls for change.

• If a person is found to possess digital documents, they must provide the designated income tax officer with necessary assistance to inspect these electronic systems.

• The committee argues that these provisions are necessary and suggests no changes.