The Madras high court has imposed a fine of Rs. 1 lakh on actor Vijay for challenging a levy of entry tax on his imported Rolls Royce Ghost car, saying that such a big star is “expected to pay tax promptly and punctually”, and actors who are seen by their fans as real heroes “can’t be just reel heroes”. The court dismissed the petition related to the import of the car from England in 2012. Justice S.M. Subramaniam, in his July 8 order, said, “In a state like Tamil Nadu, where such actors have become rulers, they are not expected to behave like just reel heroes. Tax evasion is to be construed as an anti-national habit, attitude and mindset and unconstitutional.” The order was released on July 13.
The HC directed Vijay to pay the fine by contributing to the Chief Minister’s COVID-19 Public Relief Fund within two weeks. The current market price of the car in India is approximately Rs. 6 crore. Entry tax in Tamil Nadu is 20% of the cost of the car. Noting that non-payment of entry tax by the petitioner could never be appreciated, the judge said that the actor should respect the sentiments of lakhs and lakhs of his fans who watch his movies by paying for tickets. “It is only out of such money that the petitioner has purchased the world’s most prestigious car for his personal use,” the judge added. “These actors are portraying themselves as champions to bring social justice,” said the judge, and continued, “Their movies are against corruption in society. But they evade tax and act in a manner which is not in consonance with the provisions of the statutes.”