50. False or Misleading Statements.-

(1) A person who knowingly –

(a) makes a statement to a taxation officer or any other officer authorized by the Commissioner which is false or misleading in a material particular; or

(b) omits from a statement made to a taxation officer or to such authorized officer any matter or thing without which the statement is misleading in a material particular,

is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to,–

(i) where the statement or omission was made knowingly or repeatedly, a fine not exceeding twenty five thousand rupees or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both; or

(ii) in any other case, a fine not exceeding ten thousand rupees or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month, or both.

(2) A reference in this section to a statement made to a taxation officer or to such authorized officer is a reference to a statement made orally or in writing, or in any other form to that officer or person acting in the performance of his duties under this Act, and includes a statement made –

(a) in an application, certificate, declaration, notification, return, appeal, or other document made, prepared, given, filed or furnished under this Act; or

(b) in information required to be furnished under this Act; or

(c) in a document furnished to a taxation officer otherwise pursuant to this Act; or

(d) in answer to a question asked to a person by a taxation officer or such authorized officer.