Black money SIT for ban on cash deals over Rs 3 lakh, limiting cash holding

New Delhi: In order to tackle black money, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has recommended a total ban on cash transactions above Rs 300,000 and restricting cash holding with individuals to not more than Rs 15 lakh to curb illegal wealth in the economy. The SIT headed by Justice M B Shah (retd), submitted its fifth report to the Supreme Court on methods to curb black money in the economy. This is the fifth report submitted before the Supreme Court by the SIT. [caption id=“attachment_2775820” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. Reuters[/caption] The panel felt that large amount of unaccounted wealth is stored and used in form of cash. “Having considered the provisions which exist in this regard in various countries and also having considered various reports and observations of courts regarding cash transactions the SIT felt that there is a need to put an upper limit to cash transactions,” an official statement said. SIT recommended a total ban on cash transactions above Rs 3 lakh and “an Act be framed to declare such transactions as illegal and punishable under law.” It also felt that, given the fact of unaccounted wealth being held in cash which are further confirmed by huge cash recoveries in numerous enforcement actions by law enforcement agencies from time to time, the cash transaction limit can only succeed if there is a limitation on cash holding. “SIT has suggested an upper limit of Rs 15 lakh on cash holding,” the statement said. Further, it said in case any person or industry requires holding more cash, “it may obtain necessary permission from the Commissioner of Income tax of the area.” It has also invited suggestions from the public on the recommendations.