Mon Jan 19 19:14:37 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Delhi High Court Quashes Income Tax Notices Against NDTV Founders, Citing Harassment
The Story:
The Delhi High Court on Monday, January 19, 2026, ruled in favor of NDTV founders Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy, quashing income tax reassessment notices issued in 2016. The court deemed the reassessment proceedings “arbitrary” and a violation of fundamental and constitutional rights, ordering the Income Tax department to pay ₹1 lakh to each of the Roys as a token cost. The notices pertained to the reassessment of their income for the year 2009-10 regarding certain “interest-free” loans received from RRPR Holding Private Limited, the promoter entity of NDTV.
Key Points:
- The Delhi High Court quashed 2016 income tax reassessment notices to Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy.
- The court cited “arbitrary” reassessment proceedings that violated constitutional rights.
- The Income Tax department was ordered to pay ₹1 lakh to each of the Roys.
- The notices pertained to income reassessment for 2009-10 regarding loans from RRPR Holding Private Limited.
- A first round of reassessment proceedings were initiated in 2011 and ended in 2013. The court noted that no new facts were revealed after the first round, thus making the second reassessment without jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways:
- The court’s decision highlights the importance of due process and protecting citizens from repeated and potentially harassing reassessment proceedings.
- The ruling reinforces the constitutional rights of individuals against arbitrary actions by government agencies.
- The case underscores the need for tax authorities to thoroughly investigate and conclude matters, avoiding repetitive reassessments without new evidence.
- The High Court took a strong stance in ensuring predictability and certainty in legal processes.
First Piper 