Taxing Colourable Device: Abusive Tax Avoidance - Demystifying the Code by Anadi Varma is a compelling and deeply analytical exploration of one of the most complex and debated concepts in taxation-colourable devices and abusive tax avoidance. Drawing from decades of practical experience in the Indian Revenue Service and extensive judicial exposure, the author unravels the evolution, interpretation, and application of this doctrine with remarkable clarity and authority.
This book takes readers on a journey through landmark judicial precedents, including the historic McDowell & Co. Ltd. v. CTO judgment, and examines how courts have shaped the fine line between legitimate tax planning and impermissible tax avoidance. It further connects global jurisprudence with Indian tax law, offering insights into doctrines such as economic substance, sham transactions, and GAAR (General Anti-Avoidance Rules).
Designed for tax professionals, legal practitioners, students, and policy thinkers, this work goes beyond theory to present real-world interpretations, case studies, and practical implications. It challenges conventional thinking and encourages a jurisprudential mindset essential for navigating modern tax complexities.
Whether you are seeking clarity on tax avoidance strategies or a deeper understanding of legal principles governing taxation, this book serves as a definitive guide and an intellectual masterclass in tax law.