Novel Singhal Lavasa, wife of Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa has, due to charges of alleged tax evasion, come under the scanner of the Income Tax Department and has been issued a notice to explain certain details in her IT Returns (ITR) with regard to holding directorship in about 10 companies.

IT Department's investigation

It is also being said that, following the preliminary investigation, she has been asked to provide more documents related to her personal finances. Further, the department is looking at her ITRs to ascertain if her income has escaped assessment in the past or if something has been concealed from tax authorities.

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Novel has denied the allegations

Sources also suggest that the probe against the former banker goes back to the period between 2015-17. However, according to a media report, Novel, who resigned from the State Bank of India, has denied the allegations, saying that it is clarified that having served as a Class I officer with the State Bank of India for 28 years and having acquired vast experience in Banking and Development, she continues to be engaged in various professional activities, including taking charge as independent Director in a few companies.

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On a related note, Ashok Lavasa was appointed as the election commissioner on January 23, 2018, after he retired as the Union Finance Secretary in the previous year. He made news during the time of general elections due to his difference of opinion, with regard to the implementation of the model code of conduct (MCC), with Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra. He dissented in 11 EC decisions where, despite their involvement in complaints for alleged violation of MCC, Modi and Shah were given a clean chit.

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 (With PTI inputs)