Service tax on lawyers: DHCBA criticises Centre's move

The government's move in the Union Budget to levy 14 per cent service tax on legal services was today criticised by Delhi High Court Bar Association (DCHBA) which said no one is allowed to divide legal fraternity on any ground.
"The government has tried to divide the legal fraternity on the basis of law firms and litigating advocates," DHCBA President Rajiv Khosla said in a statement.
"What is most shocking for the Bar is that even amongst litigating advocates, the government has tried to create two categories amongst advocates, designated and non-designated advocates.
"The Bar cannot tolerate the same as no one is allowed to divide the legal fraternity on any ground whatsoever," he added.

While strongly condemning the government move in trying to levy service tax on lawyers including the senior advocates and the law firms, the executive committee of the DHCBA in its meeting opposed the same, saying "they are shocked to know about the imposition of 14 per cent service tax on one section of the legal fraternity."
The committee further said that the government as on date wants to impose service tax on law firms and senior advocates and the time is not far when it may extend to the common lawyer.