You Can Still File Your ITR Today; Why SC Judgment On Waqf Is Actually A Boost For The Government; And More

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Government Extends ITR Filing Deadline by One Day Due to Portal Glitches, Last Day Today

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on Monday extended the income tax return (ITR) filing deadline for Assessment Year 2025-26 by one day to September 16, following widespread technical difficulties on the e-filing portal.

Despite the glitches, a record 7.3 crore ITRs were filed by September 15, surpassing last year's 7.28 crore returns, the CBDT announced on social media platform X.

The e-filing portal experienced severe traffic congestion as taxpayers rushed to meet the original deadline, which also coincided with the second quarterly advance tax payment due date. Users reported login failures, payment processing errors, and difficulties downloading Annual Information Statements.

"To facilitate further filings of ITRs, the due date has been extended by one day," the CBDT stated, acknowledging the technical issues.

The Income Tax Department initially suggested browser troubleshooting steps, maintaining the portal was functioning normally. However, chartered accountants and individual taxpayers continued reporting persistent problems on social media.

This marks the second extension for AY 2025-26, following an earlier revision from July 31 to September 15 due to ITR form modifications. The portal will undergo maintenance from 12 AM to 2:30 AM on September 16.

Why Kiren Rijiju Hailed SC's Judgment on Waqf Act as "Good Sign for Democracy"

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, calling it "a very good sign for our democracy." In its judgment, while the apex court temporarily stayed some contentious parts of the law, the Act as a whole was left untouched.

The stayed clauses include the requirement that only those practicing Islam for five years could dedicate property as Waqf, citing potential "arbitrary exercise of power." The court also stayed provisions allowing collectors to determine property rights, with Chief Justice Gavai noting this violated "separation of powers."

However, the Court declined to halt the entire Act, leaving provisions on CEO appointments and registration requirements intact. Most importantly, the deletion of "waqf by user" (where people could claim property as waqf by long use without formal documentation) is upheld prospectively.

Politically and legally, the judgment is seen as a recognition that Parliament has the power to legislate on waqf law and initiate reforms even within the Muslim community, and that the judiciary won’t strike them down simply because they are controversial.

Speaking in Mumbai, Rijiju argued the legislation would benefit the Muslim community by curbing "longstanding misuse of Waqf provisions" and preventing "encroachment of property through Waqf Board."

The minister expressed confidence that "the Supreme Court was aware of the whole issue".

Other developments

India "Coming to Table": Peter Navarro

White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro claimed India is showing willingness to engage in trade negotiations, citing a "conciliatory" tweet from Prime Minister Narendra Modi that received a response from President Trump.

Speaking to CNBC on Sunday, Navarro said both countries are working on resolving trade barriers, though he still criticised India for maintaining "the highest tariffs of any major country" and imposing significant non-tariff barriers.

Navarro also targeted India's energy relationship with Russia, noting that Indian refiners began purchasing Russian oil after 2022's Ukraine invasion. "They make money off of us in unfair trade, then use that money to buy Russian oil".

Navarro expressed concern over Modi's diplomatic engagement with China and Russia, calling it an "interesting stretch" given China's status as India's "long-term existential threat."

Meanwhile, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Brendan Lynch arrives in New Delhi on Tuesday to continue bilateral trade agreement discussions with India's chief negotiator, Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal from the Department of Commerce.

Rising US Military Activity in Bangladesh's Chittagong Raises Strategic Concerns

A US Air Force C-130J Super Hercules landed at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong on Sunday, reported a leading economic daily in India. This highlighting increased American military presence in Bangladesh's strategically vital border region near India and Myanmar.

Since Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership, US military visits have intensified in the Chittagong area for surveys and joint exercises.

Regional sources quoted by the economic daily suggest extra-regional powers are competing for influence in Myanmar and India's northeast, with both US and China courting Myanmar rebels. The Bangladesh military has expressed discomfort with US troop presence beyond joint exercises.

Last month, a US Special Forces officer was found dead in a Dhaka hotel, adding to regional tensions.

Notably, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had alleged she was ousted in August 2024 for refusing to cede St Martin's Island to the US.

Alphabet Becomes Fourth Company to Hit $3 Trillion Market Cap

Google-parent Alphabet officially joined the exclusive $3 trillion market capitalisation club on Monday, becoming the fourth publicly traded company to reach this milestone alongside Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

Alphabet shares surged over 4 per cent to $251.22, pushing its market value past $3 trillion. The stock has soared more than 70 per cent since April's low, adding approximately $1.2 trillion in value.

The rally was triggered by a favourable antitrust ruling earlier this month when US District Judge Amit Mehta allowed Google to retain its Android operating system and Chrome browser. The Justice Department had sought to force Google to sell Chrome following a previous court finding that the company held an illegal search monopoly.

The ruling boosted Alphabet's market cap by over $230 billion in four days, prompting President Trump's congratulations.

From the states

Karnataka's Third Devadasi Survey Starts

Karnataka's third devadasi survey began Monday amid confusion over required documentation, forcing many to return home without completing registration.

The survey across 15 North and Central Karnataka districts requires over a dozen documents, including family trees, leaving many devadasis unable to participate. Server issues at taluk offices further complicated the process.

Activists criticized inadequate publicity and transparency. Shobha Gasthi, a former devadasi, warned that family tree requirements could exclude many from benefits, as obtaining them takes over two weeks.

State coordinator Yamanurappa Halavagli alleged the survey lacked transparency, with untrained district committees and some districts having no committees at all.

Previous surveys in 1993-94 and 2008-09 identified 23,630 and 46,660 devadasis respectively, though thousands were excluded due to age criteria of 45 and above.

Government officials insisted self-declarations were sufficient, but activists noted the survey app retained age restrictions despite demands for removal.

Heavy Rains Lash Uttarakhand, Two Missing in Dehradun

Two people remain missing in Dehradun's Sahastradhara area as heavy rains battered Uttarakhand overnight Monday-Tuesday, damaging hotels, shops, and commercial structures across multiple districts.

District officials evacuated area residents during the night, with authorities suggesting the missing persons are likely safe elsewhere. Officials are investigating whether the event was a cloudburst or intense rainfall.

"Roads are blocked but we're working to reach there. Locals claim this was a cloudburst, but we're verifying," said District Disaster Management Officer Rishabh Kumar, confirming no human casualties despite property damage.

Rivers including Tamsa, Tons, and Song are in spate. Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple suffered damage with rubble covering the premises.

Schools closed for the day with red alerts issued until 9 AM across affected areas. Heavy rain damage was also reported in Rishikesh and Mussoorie, indicating statewide impact from the severe weather system.

You’re all caught up—until next time.