Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa’s Wife Faces I-T Investigation For Tax Evasion And Holding Directorship In Multiple Firms

Fresh troubles mounted for Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa's wife after the Income Tax Department issued a notice against her on Monday in connection with her income after becoming independent director of various companies.

Novel Singhal, Lavasa's wife, has been asked to explain certain details in her I-T Returns (ITR) with regard to holding directorship in about 10 companies and has been asked to provide more documents related to her personal finances.

Lavasa's wife Novel Singhal was an officer in State Bank of India till she quit in 2005.

The tax officials are investigating alleged tax evasion and the holding of directorship in multiple firms against the former bank officer pertaining to a time period between 2015-17.

Before being appointed as an election commissioner, Lavasa served as principal secretary and financial commissioner (renewable energy sources), principal secretary and financial commissioner (power) and chief coordinator (industries).

Novel Singhal joined as an independent director in at least four power firms – Dreisatz Mysolar 24 Pvt Ltd, Welspun Solar Tech Pvt Ltd, Welspun Energy Rajasthan Pvt Ltd and Welspun Solar Punjab Pvt Ltd. Curiously, she was appointed on the board of four power firms the same day. Ashok Lavasa was also associated with the power ministry for a few years in the role of a special secretary.

Singhal has however refuted the allegations levelled against her.

“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, I continue to be engaged in various professional activities, including as independent director in a few companies. I have replied to all IT notices received since 5 August 2019 and have been cooperating with the ongoing process of the department," she said.

Lavasa had earlier dissented in various decisions of the poll body involving complaints against Modi and Shah for alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct, where they were given a clean chit.

Earlier this year, Lavasa had claimed that his participation in EC meetings regarding the issue was "meaningless" as his dissent remained unrecorded.

(With inputs from IANS)