The Congress party has strongly opposed the newly proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025, accusing the government of granting tax authorities excessive powers that could infringe on citizens’ privacy. The bill, introduced in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has sparked widespread debate over its implications for digital and financial privacy.
According to Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, the bill allows tax officials to access emails, social media accounts, bank details, and trading transactions without requiring a warrant or prior notice. Shrinate described the provisions as a move toward creating a “surveillance state,” where mere suspicion could justify invasive scrutiny of individuals’ private lives.
“They spied on us with Pegasus. Now, they’ll take away our personal lives altogether,” Shrinate remarked, referencing past allegations of surveillance. She further warned that the bill could be weaponized to target political opponents and suppress dissent, calling it an attack on personal freedoms and digital privacy.
The controversial bill includes provisions that empower tax officials to override access codes and gain entry to protected digital spaces during investigations. Critics argue that such measures could lead to misuse of power and erosion of trust in public institutions.
The government, however, has defended the bill, stating that it aims to enhance transparency and combat tax evasion. The legislation is currently under review by a parliamentary committee, with stakeholders from various sectors voicing their concerns.
As the debate continues, the Income Tax Bill has become a flashpoint in the broader discourse on balancing national security and individual privacy in the digital age.
