Everytime I regret moving abroad India makes sure I don't.
Disclaimer: I strongly and truly believe that everyone should pay a reasonable percentage of tax on their entire income.
1. Physical and / or psychological coercion to get at your passwords.
2. Suspicion that if you are using these tools you have something to hide and either assuming guilt or justifying 1.
The article notes:
> if a person is found to be in possession or control of any books of account, or other documents and information maintained digitally, on computer systems, or stored electronically, then they must provide the designated income tax officer “reasonable technical and other assistance (including access code, by whatever name called) as may be necessary” to enable the officer to inspect “any information, electronic records and communication or data contained in or available on such computer systems”.
> “In most of the cases of search operation the taxpayers do not share the password/login credential of online forums/portals/e-mail accounts, etc.
As above, the article already notes that the taxpayers do not share the passwords.
Disclaimer: I strongly and truly believe that everyone should pay a reasonable percentage of tax on their entire income.
If the phone gets unlocked, the border police cannot coerce unlocking specific apps at all, although a judge can. The border police may however choose to lie about it.
> if a person is found to be in possession or control of any books of account, or other documents and information maintained digitally, on computer systems, or stored electronically, then they must provide the designated income tax officer “reasonable technical and other assistance (including access code, by whatever name called) as may be necessary” to enable the officer to inspect “any information, electronic records and communication or data contained in or available on such computer systems”.
> “In most of the cases of search operation the taxpayers do not share the password/login credential of online forums/portals/e-mail accounts, etc.
The article does not note what will happen when the defendant does not share the info. It is the best interest of the defendant to not share the info. It is very possible that the defendant will incur a small fine for non-compliance instead of a big fine for tax evasion, so it's still a favorable outcome.
Obligatory xkcd: https://xkcd.com/538/
Regarding your xkcd link, they cannot detain and torture you if you immediately get a court judge to grant bail or to toss the case. Those who do shady business should stay prepared.
That sounds like something that costs money.
I'm from one of the most influential families in my state in India (the most educated in the country by the way), a (former) member of the ruling party in the state and living in one of the better parts of my district. And even I was detained by police for "loitering in the streets at night" (I had a midnight craving after being inordinately starved and my city shuts down at 9 pm). The only reason I did not spend a night in a jail cell was because I called my neighbour who called some local political honchos (not even my parents because they are utterly useless in such matters). All so that the police could wring a bribe out of me (which I ended up not paying). Meanwhile in other streets, drug peddlers run amok.
India is not for the faint-hearted, even for many Indians.
First time? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidheeq_Kappan
Patriot Act and it's variants in US, India, UK all of them can and likely do allow govts to do just about anything. I think other countries probably have similar issues.
It is sad, horrid and corrupt but that's the system we live in. Can't really do much about it other than try to protest or support repealing such laws.
I thought India was known for years-long waiting periods to make it into court.
The article notes:
> if a person is found to be in possession or control of any books of account, or other documents and information maintained digitally, on computer systems, or stored electronically, then they must provide the designated income tax officer “reasonable technical and other assistance (including access code, by whatever name called) as may be necessary” to enable the officer to inspect “any information, electronic records and communication or data contained in or available on such computer systems”.
> “In most of the cases of search operation the taxpayers do not share the password/login credential of online forums/portals/e-mail accounts, etc.
The article does not note what will happen when the defendant does not share the info. It is the best interest of the defendant to not share the info. Going forward, it is very possible that the defendant will incur a small fine for non-compliance instead of a big fine for tax evasion, so it's still a favorable outcome. There is no proof of torture or even imprisonment.
The naiveté. You are letting your US centric vision cloud your judgement.