The Supreme Court has issued an interim order to the government, asking the authorities to allow at least one month’s time for taxpayers to pay their dues after the lockdown completely opens.

A division bench of Justices Anil Kumar Sinha and Manoj Sharma issued the interim order to the Finance Ministry and the Inland Revenue Department, Lazimpat not to implement the notice issued for taxpayers during the lockdown and to make necessary arrangements for them to pay their tax dues within 30 days after the lockdown completely opens.

After cases of the coronavirus started appearing in Nepal, the government on March 24 announced a complete lockdown across the country. After much public hardship caused by the prolonged restrictions and growing calls for letting businesses operate, the Cabinet on Wednesday evening decided to allow shops to reopen and private vehicles to run on an odd-even basis.

The interim order was issued upon hearing on two separate writ petitions filed by advocates Srijana Adhikary and Thaneswor Kafle in response to the government notifying taxpayers to clear their dues within June 29.

The top court has also told the government to make the process of paying tax easier amid the essential coronavirus safety measures when the public activity curbs are lifted.

The writ was filed after the business community objected to the government notice for paying taxes amid the lockdown.

The court has also told the authorities to make necessary review and justifiable arrangements for taxpayers at places where new situations arise due to the Covid-19 contagion and they find difficulties doing their jobs or businesses even after the opening of the lockdown.