Delhi HC seeks Centre’s reply on PIL for automatic TDS refundsThe Delhi High Court has sought the Union government’s response to a PIL demanding an automatic refund mechanism for excess Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) in cases where individuals are not required to file income tax returns. The plea argues that mandatory ITR filing for refunds disproportionately burdens senior citizens and low-income earners, despite their incomes being below the taxable threshold. By IANS Published Date - 5 August 2026, 09:10 PMNew Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought the response of the Union government on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the implementation of an automatic refund mechanism for excess Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) in cases where individuals are not otherwise required to file income tax returns. Seeking judicial intervention, the petitioner has prayed for directions to the Union government and the CBDT to implement an automatic or suo motu refund mechanism for non-filing individuals and to read down the provision mandating ITR filing for claiming such refunds. Earlier, in January 2025, the Supreme Court had declined to entertain a PIL seeking the complete scrapping of the TDS system under the Income Tax Act.