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ITA 2025 · Section 244

Change of Incumbent

Chapter XIV — Tax AdministrationITA 2025AY 2026-27 onward

Section 244 is the substantive equivalent of 1961 s. 129 -- the provision dealing with change of incumbent of office within Chapter XIV (Tax Administration) framework. Critical for operational tax administration; defines authority…

Section 244 — - CHANGE OF INCUMBENT OF OFFICE

Section 244 is the substantive equivalent of 1961 s. 129 -- the provision dealing with change of incumbent of office within Chapter XIV (Tax Administration) framework. Critical for operational tax administration; defines authority structure / powers / procedures / safeguards. Practitioner relevance: every assessment / verification / compliance interaction with tax authorities involves these provisions.

STATUTORY ARCHITECTURE: Change of incumbent of office is part of the foundational tax administration framework under Chapter XIV. The provision establishes the legal basis for change of incumbent of office and operational mechanics. Key practitioner aspects: (i) authority hierarchy clarity; (ii) procedural compliance; (iii) constitutional safeguards (Articles 14, 21 -- equality before law / personal liberty); (iv) appellate / writ remedy availability for procedural violations. The 2025 Act preserves the substantive 1961 framework while modernising terminology and incorporating post-2020 faceless administration architecture.

PRACTITIONER RELEVANCE

Compliance with this provision is mandatory for any tax administration interaction. Procedural violations may give rise to writ jurisdiction under Articles 226 / 32 of the Constitution. Assessment-level review through CIT(A) / NFAC / ITAT / High Court appellate routes available. CBDT circulars / instructions provide operational guidance.

CROSS-REFERENCES

  • Section 236 -- Income-tax authorities.
  • Section 247 -- Search and seizure.
  • Section 253 -- Powers of survey.
  • Sections 237-261 -- Tax administration framework.
  • Constitutional Articles 14 / 21 / 226.